Deoxyamino acid compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, and methods for inhibiting beta-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis by use of such compounds

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are compounds which inhibit β-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis, and, accordingly, have utility in treating Alzheimer&#39;s disease. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound which inhibits β-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis as well as methods for treating Alzheimer&#39;s disease both prophylactically and therapeutically with such pharmaceutical compositions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/___,___, which was converted pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b) from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/102,728, filed Jun. 22, 1998; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to compounds which inhibit β-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis, and, accordingly, have utility in treating Alzheimer's disease.

References

[0003] The following publications, patents and patent applications are cited in this application as superscript numbers:

[0004]¹ Glenner, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (1984) 120:885-890.

[0005]² U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,829, issued May 19, 1987, to G. G. Glenner et al., entitled “Polypeptide Marker for Alzheimer's Disease and Its Use for Diagnosis.”

[0006]³ Selkoe, Neuron. (1991) 6:487-498.

[0007]⁴ Goate, et al., Nature (1990) 349:704-706.

[0008]⁵ Chartier Harlan, et al., Nature (1989) 353:844-846.

[0009]⁶ Murrell, et al., Science (1991) 254:97-99.

[0010]⁷ Mullan, et al., Nature Genet. (1992) 1:345-347.

[0011]⁸ Schenk, et al., International Patent Application Publication No. WO 94/10569, “Methods and Compositions for the Detection of Soluble β-Amyloid Peptide”, published May 11, 1994.

[0012]⁹ Selkoe, Scientific American, “Amyoid Protein and Alzheimer's Disease”, pp. 2-8, November, 1991.

[0013]¹⁰ Yates et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,598,859.

[0014]¹¹ Tetrahedron Letters 1993, 34(48), 7685.

[0015]¹² R. F. C. Brown et al., Tetrahedron Letters 1971, 8, 667-670.

[0016]¹³ A. O. King et al., J. Org. Chem. 1993, 58, 3384-3386.

[0017]¹⁴ U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/019,790, filed Jun. 14, 1996.

[0018]¹⁵ R. D. Clark et al., Tetrahedron 1993, 49(7), 1351-1356.

[0019]¹⁶ Citron, et al., Nature (1992) 360:672-674.

[0020]¹⁷ P. Seubert, Nature (1992) 359:325-327.

[0021]¹⁸ Hansen, et al., J. Immun. Meth. (1989) 119:203-210.

[0022]¹⁹ Games et al., Nature (1995) 373:523-527.

[0023]²⁰ Johnson-Wood et al., PNAS USA (1997) 94:1550-1555.

[0024] All of the above publications, patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

State of the Art

[0025] Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disorder characterized clinically by progressive loss of memory, cognition, reasoning, judgment and emotional stability that gradually leads to profound mental deterioration and ultimately death. AD is a very common cause of progressive mental failure (dementia) in aged humans and is believed to represent the fourth most common medical cause of death in the United States. AD has been observed in races and ethnic groups worldwide and presents a major present and future public health problem. The disease is currently estimated to affect about two to three million individuals in the United States alone. AD is at present incurable. No treatment that effectively prevents AD or reverses its symptoms and course is currently known.

[0026] The brains of individuals with AD exhibit characteristic lesions termed senile (or amyloid) plaques, amyloid angiopathy (amyloid deposits in blood vessels) and neurofibrillary tangles. Large numbers of these lesions, particularly amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, are generally found in several areas of the human brain important for memory and cognitive function in patients with AD. Smaller numbers of these lesions in a more restrictive anatomical distribution are also found in the brains of most aged humans who do not have clinical AD. Amyloid plaques and amyloid angiopathy also characterize the brains of individuals with Trisomy 21 (Down's Syndrome) and Hereditary Cerebral Hemorrhage with Amyloidosis of the Dutch Type (HCHW A-D). At present, a definitive diagnosis of AD usually requires observing the aforementioned lesions in the brain tissue of patients who have died with the disease or, rarely, in small biopsied samples of brain tissue taken during an invasive neurosurgical procedure.

[0027] The principal chemical constituent of the amyloid plaques and vascular amyloid deposits (amyloid angiopathy) characteristic of AD and the other disorders mentioned above is an approximately 4.2 kilodalton (kD) protein of about 39-43 amino acids designated the β-amyloid peptide (βAP) or sometimes Aβ, AβP or β/A4. β-Amyloid peptide was first purified and a partial amino acid sequence was provided by Glenner, et al.¹ The isolation procedure and the sequence data for the first 28 amino acids are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,829².

[0028] Molecular biological and protein chemical analyzes have shown that the β-amyloid peptide is a small fragment of a much larger precursor protein termed the amyloid precursor protein (APP), that is normally produced by cells in many tissues of various animals, including humans. Knowledge of the structure of the gene encoding APP has demonstrated that β-amyloid peptide arises as a peptide fragment that is cleaved from APP by protease enzyme(s). The precise biochemical mechanism by which the β-amyloid peptide fragment is cleaved from APP and subsequently deposited as amyloid plaques in the cerebral tissue and in the walls of the cerebral and meningeal blood vessels is currently unknown.

[0029] Several lines of evidence indicate that progressive cerebral deposition of β-amyloid peptide plays a seminal role in the pathogenesis of AD and can precede cognitive symptoms by years or decades. See, for example, Selkoe³. The most important line of evidence is the discovery that missense DNA mutations at amino acid 717 of the 770-amino acid isoform of APP can be found in affected members but not unaffected members of several families with a genetically determined (familial) form of AD (Goate, et al.⁴; Chartier Harlan, et al.⁵; and Murrell, et al.⁶) and is referred to as the Swedish variant. A double mutation changing lysine⁵⁹⁵-methionine⁵⁹⁶ to asparagine⁵⁹⁵-leucine⁵⁹⁶ (with reference to the 695 isoform) found in a Swedish family was reported in 1992 (Mullan, et al.⁷). Genetic linkage analyses have demonstrated that these mutations, as well as certain other mutations in the APP gene, are the specific molecular cause of AD in the affected members of such families. In addition, a mutation at amino acid 693 of the 770-amino acid isoform of APP has been identified as the cause of the β-amyloid peptide deposition disease, HCHWA-D, and a change from alanine to glycine at amino acid 692 appears to cause a phenotype that resembles AD is some patients but HCHWA-D in others. The discovery of these and other mutations in APP in genetically based cases of AD prove that alteration of APP and subsequent deposition of its β-amyloid peptide fragment can cause AD.

[0030] Despite the progress which has been made in understanding the underlying mechanisms of AD and other β-amyloid peptide related diseases, there remains a need to develop methods and compositions for treatment of the disease(s). Ideally, the treatment methods would advantageously be based on drugs which are capable of inhibiting β-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis in vivo.

[0031] Compounds which inhibit β-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis in vivo are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/996,422, filed Dec. 22, 1997 (Attorney Docket No. 002010-062) and entitled “Cycloalkyl, Lactam, Lactone and Related Compounds, Pharmaceutical Compositions Comprising Same, and Methods for Inhibiting β-Amyloid Peptide Release, and/or its Synthesis by Use of Such Compounds,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present invention is directed to deoxy derivatives of such compounds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0032] This invention is directed to the discovery of a class of compounds which inhibit β-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis and, therefore, are useful in the prevention of AD in patients susceptible to AD and/or in the treatment of patients with AD in order to inhibit further deterioration in their condition.

[0033] Accordingly, in one of its composition aspects, the present invention provides compounds of formula I:

[0034] wherein

[0035] W is a cyclic group selected from the group consisting of:

[0036] wherein

[0037] ring A, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic;

[0038] ring B, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic;

[0039] ring C, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring;

[0040] Y is represented by the formula:

[0041] provided that at least one Y is —(CHR^(2′))_(a)—NH—;

[0042] R¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic;

[0043] R² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic;

[0044] each R^(2′) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic;

[0045] R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, acyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic;

[0046] each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic;

[0047] R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted amino, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, thioalkoxy and substituted thioalkoxy;

[0048] Q is oxygen, sulfur, —S(O)— or —S(O)₂—;

[0049] Z is represented by the formula -T-CX′X″C(O)—, wherein T is selected from the group consisting of a bond covalently linking R¹ to —CX′X″-, oxygen, sulfur and —NR⁶, wherein R⁶ is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl group;

[0050] X′ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro,

[0051] X″ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, or X′ and X″ together form an oxo group;

[0052] a is an integer from 2 to about 6;

[0053] f is an integer from 0 to 2;

[0054] m is an integer equal to 0 or 1;

[0055] n is an integer equal to 1 or 2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[0056] This invention also provides for novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of the formula I above.

[0057] Additionally, in one of its method aspects, this invention is directed to a method for inhibiting β-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis in a cell which method comprises administering to such a cell an amount of a compound or a mixture of compounds of formula I above effective in inhibiting the cellular release and/or synthesis of β-amyloid peptide.

[0058] Because the in vivo generation of β-amyloid peptide is associated with the pathogenesis of AD^(8,9), the compounds of formula I can also be employed in conjunction with a pharmaceutical composition to prophylactically and/or therapeutically prevent and/or treat AD. Accordingly, in another of its method aspects, this invention is directed to a prophylactic method for preventing the onset of AD in a patient at risk for developing AD which method comprises administering to said patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically inert carrier and an effective amount of a compound or a mixture of compounds of formula I above.

[0059] In yet another of its method aspects, this invention is directed to a therapeutic method for treating a patient with AD in order to inhibit further deterioration in the condition of that patient which method comprises administering to said patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically inert carrier and an effective amount of a compound or a mixture of compounds of formula I above.

[0060] In formula I above, rings A and B may be the same or different and are preferably independently selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic. More preferably, rings A and B are independently selected from the group consisting of aryl and cycloalkyl. Still more preferably, rings A and B are independently aryl.

[0061] Particularly preferred A and B rings include, by way of example, phenyl, substituted phenyl, including fluoro-substituted phenyl, cyclohexyl and the like.

[0062] Preferred C rings include, by way of example, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, morpholino and the like.

[0063] When m is zero (i.e., there is a covalent bond from R¹to NH), R¹ is preferably aryl (including substituted aryl) or heteroaryl (including substituted heteroaryl). In this embodiment, further preferred R¹ groups include

[0064] (a) phenyl,

[0065] (b) a substituted phenyl group of the formula:

[0066] wherein R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of acyl, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylalkoxy, azido, cyano, halo, hydrogen, nitro, trihalomethyl, thioalkoxy, and wherein R^(b) and R^(c) are fused to form a heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring with the phenyl ring wherein the heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring contains from 3 to 8 atoms of which from 1 to 3 are heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur;

[0067] R^(b) and R^(b′) are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, trihalomethyl, alkoxy, and thioalkoxy with the proviso that when R^(c) is hydrogen, then R^(b) and R^(b′) are either both hydrogen or both substituents other than hydrogen,

[0068] (c) 2-naphthyl,

[0069] (d) 2-naphthyl substituted at the 4, 5, 6, 7 and/or 8 positions with 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting alkyl, alkoxy, halo, cyano, nitro, trihalomethyl, thioalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl,

[0070] (e) heteroaryl,

[0071] (f) substituted heteroaryl containing 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy provided that said substituents are not ortho to the heteroaryl attachment to the —NH group, and

[0072] (g) alkyl.

[0073] When m is zero, particularly preferred substituted phenyl R¹ groups include mono-, di- and tri-substituted phenyl groups including 3,5-disubstituted phenyls such as 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyt, 3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl, etc.; 3,4-disubstituted phenyls such as 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-4-chlorophenyl, 3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl, 3-chloro4-iodophenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, etc.; 4-substituted phenyls such as 4-azidophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4-ethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-iodophenyl, 4-(phenylcarbonyl)phenyl, 4-(1-ethoxy)ethylphenyl, etc., 3,4,5-trisubsituted phenyls such as 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trichlorophenyl, etc.

[0074] Specific R¹ groups for when m is zero include 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 4-phenylfurazan-3-yl, and the like.

[0075] When m is zero, other preferred R¹ substituents include, by way of example, 2-naphthyl, quinolin-3-yl, 2-methylquinolin-6-yl, benzothiazol-6-yl, 5-indolyl, phenyl, and the like.

[0076] When m is one, preferred R¹ groups include unsubstituted aryl groups such as phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, etc.; substituted aryl groups such as monosubstituted phenyls (preferably substituents at 3 or 5 positions); disubstituted phenyls (preferably substituents at 3 and 5 positions); and trisubstituted phenyls (preferably substituents at the 3,4,5 positions). Preferably, the substituted phenyl groups do not include more than 3 substituents. Examples of substituted phenyls include, for instance, 2-chlorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-bromophenyl, 2-hydroxyphenyl, 2-nitrophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 2-phenoxyphenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-ethoxyphenyl, 4-butoxyphenyl, 4-iso-propylphenyl, 4-phenoxyphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-hydroxymethylphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 3-hydroxyphenyl, 3-nitrophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 3-phenoxyphenyl, 3-thiomethoxyphenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2,3-dichlorophenyl, 2,3-difluorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-di-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, 2,6-difluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-tri-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-tri-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,3,5-trifluorophenyl, 2,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl, 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluoro-2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-benzyloxyphenyl, 2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl, 2-fluoro-6-chlorophenyl, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, 4-phenylphenyl and 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl.

[0077] When m is one, other preferred R¹ groups include, by way of example, adamantyl, benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-phenyl-n-propyl, 4-phenyl-n-butyl, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, iso-valeryl, n-hexyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopent-1-enyl, cyclopent-2-enyl, cyclohex-1-enyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclobutyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-cyclopentyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclobutyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopentyl, pyrid-2-yl, pyrid-3-yl, pyrid-4-yl, fluoropyridyls (including 5-fluoropyrid-3-yl), chloropyridyls (including 5-chloropyrid-3-yl), thien-2-yl, thien-3-yl, benzothiazol-4-yl, 2-phenylbenzoxazol-5-yl, furan-2-yl, benzoifuran-2-yl, thionaphthen-2-yl, thionaphthen-3-yl, thionaphthen-4-yl, 2-chlorothiophen-5-yl, 3-methylisoxazol-5-yl, 2-(thiophenyl)thien-5-yl, 6-methoxythionaphthen-2-yl, 3-phenyl-1,2,4-thiooxadiazol-5-yl, 2-phenyloxazol-4-yl, indol-3-yl, 1-phenyl-tetraol-5-yl, allyl, 2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl, (CH₃)₂CH═CHCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)—, φC(O)CH₂—, thien-2-yl-methyl 2-(thien-2-yl)ethyl, 3-(thien-2-yl)-n-propyl, 2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, norboran-2-yl, (4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (2-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (3-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (3-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (4-methylphenyl)methyl, (4-fluorophenyl)methyl, (4-fluorophenoxy)methyl, (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl, (4-chlorophenyl)methyl, (2-chlorophenyl)methyl, (1-phenyl)ethyl, (1-(p-chlorophenyl)ethyl, (1-trifluoromethyl)ethyl, (4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, CH₃OC(O)CH₂—, benzylthiomethyl, 5-(methoxycarbonyl)-n-pentyl, 3-(methoxycarbonyl)-n-propyl, indan-2-yl, (2-methylbenzofuran-3-yl), methoxymethyl, CH₃CH═CH—, CH₃CH₂CH═CH—, (4-chlorophenyl)C(O)CH₂—, (4-fluorophenyl)C(O)CH₂—, (4-methoxyphenyl)C(O)CH₂—, 4-(fluorophenyl)-NHC(O)CH₂—, 1-phenyl-n-butyl, (φ)₂CHNHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, (CH₃)₂NC(O)CH₂—, (φ)₂CHNHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, methylcarbonylmethyl, (2,4-dimethylphenyl)C(O)CH₂—, 4-methoxyphenyl-C(O)CH₂—, phenyl-C(O)CH₂—, CH₃C(O)N(φ)-, ethenyl, methylthiomethyl, (CH₃)₃CNHC(O)CH₂—, 4-fluorophenyl-C(O)CH₂—, diphenylmethyl, phenoxymethyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-CH₂—, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, (CH₃)₃COC(O)NHCH₂—, trans-styryl, H₂NC(O)CH₂CH₂—, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl-C(O)CH₂, φC(O)NHCH(φ)CH₂—, mesityl, CH₃CH(═NHOH)CH₂—, 4-CH₃-φ-NHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, φC(O)CH(φ)CH₂—, (CH₃)₂CHC(O)NHCH(φ)—, CH₃CH₂OCH₂—, CH₃OC(O)CH(CH₃)(CH₂)₃—, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl, 2-CH₃-benzofuran-3-yl, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl, φSO₂CH₂—, 3-cyclohexyl-n-propyl, CF₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— and N-pyrrolidinyl.

[0078] When present, R² is preferably selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.

[0079] Each R^(2′) is preferably (and independently) selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.

[0080] Particularly preferred R² and R^(2′) substituents (when R^(2′) is other than hydrogen) include, by way of example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methyl-n-butyl, 6-fluoro-n-hexyl, phenyl, benzyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, allyl, iso-but-2-enyl, 3-methylpentyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-indol-3-yl, p-(phenyl)phenyl, o-fluorophenyl, m-fluorophenyl, p-fluorophenyl, m-methoxyphenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, phenethyl, benzyl, m-hydroxybenzyl, p-hydroxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, m-trifluoromethylphenyl, p-(CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂O-benzyl, p-(CH₃)₃COC(O)CH₂O-benzyl, p-(HOOCCH₂O)-benzyl, 2-aminopyrid-6-yl, p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, —CH₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CH₂-imidazol-4-yl, —CH₂-(3-tetrahydrofuranyl), —CH₂-thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂(1 -methyl)cyclopropyl, —CH₂-thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂—C(O)O-t-butyl, —CH₂—C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, -2-methylcyclopentyl, -cyclohex-2-enyl, —CH[CH(CH₃)₂]COOCH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂, —CH₂CH═CHCH₃ (cis and trans), —CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₃, —CH(O-t-butyl)CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —(CH₂)₄NH-Boc, —(CH₂)₄NH₂, —CH₂-pyridyl (e.g., 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl and 4-pyridyl), pyridyl (2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl and 4-pyridyl), —CH₂-naphthyl (e.g., 1-naphthyl and 2-naphthyl), —CH₂-(N-morpholino), p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl, 6-methoxynaphth-2-yl, —CH₂CH₂SCH₃, thien-2-yl, thien-3-yl, and the like. Preferably, R^(2′) is methyl.

[0081] Preferably, R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl and cycloalkyl. In another preferred embodiment, R³ is alkyl, substituted alkyl or aryl. More preferably, R³ is alkyl.

[0082] Particularly preferred R³ substituents include, by way of example, hydrogen, methyl, 2-methypropyl, hexyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl, 4-phenylbutyl, cyclopropylmethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, cyclohexyl, and the like.

[0083] When present, R⁴ is preferably alkyl or substituted alkyl.

[0084] R⁵ is preferably alkyl; substituted alkyl; phenyl; substituted phenyl, such as 2-fluorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 2-chlorophenyl and the like; cycloalkyl, such as cyclohexyl and the like; or heteroaryl or heterocyclic, such as 1-piperdinyl, 2-pyridyl, 2-thiazyl, 2-thienyl and the like.

[0085] Preferably, f is 0 or 1. More preferably, f is 0.

[0086] When Y is the group —(CHR^(2′))_(a)—NH—, the integer a is preferably 2, 3 or 4, more preferably 2 or 4, and still more preferably a is equal to 2. In a preferred embodiment, Y has the formula —CHR^(2′)—CH₂—NH—, where R^(2′) is as defined herein, including the described preferred embodiments.

[0087] In one preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic group of the formula:

[0088] wherein

[0089] each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aryl, aryloxy, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl, cyano, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, halo, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, nitro, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl,

[0090] —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl;

[0091] each R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aryl, aryloxy, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl, cyano, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, halo, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, nitro, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl,

[0092] —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl;

[0093] R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, acyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic;

[0094] p is an integer from 0 to 4; q is an integer from 0 to 4.

[0095] Preferably, R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, amino, substituted amino, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl, cyano, halo, nitro, thioalkoxy and substituted thioalkoxy. More preferably, when present, R⁶ and R⁷ are fluoro.

[0096] R⁸ is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, acyl, aryl, cycloalkyl and substituted cycloalkyl. More preferably, R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl and cycloalkyl.

[0097] Particularly preferred R⁸ substituents include, by way of example, hydrogen, methyl, 2-methypropyl, hexyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl, 4-phenylbutyl, cyclopropylmethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, cyclohexyl, and the like.

[0098] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic group of the formula:

[0099] wherein R⁶, R⁷, and p are as defined herein and r is an integer from 0 to 3.

[0100] In still another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic group of the formula:

[0101] wherein R⁶ and p are as defined herein.

[0102] In yet another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0103] wherein R⁶ and p are as defined herein.

[0104] In still another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0105] wherein R⁶, R⁸ and p are as defined herein; and

[0106] each R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alky, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; and g is an integer from 0 to 2.

[0107] When present, R⁹ is preferably alkyl or substituted alkyl.

[0108] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0109] wherein R⁶, R⁸, R⁹, g and p are as defined herein.

[0110] In yet another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0111] wherein R⁶, R⁸, R⁹, g and p are as defined herein.

[0112] In still another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0113] wherein R⁶, each R⁸ and p are as defined herein.

[0114] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0115] wherein R⁶, each R⁸, R⁹, g and p are as defined herein.

[0116] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0117] wherein R⁶, R⁸ and p are as defined herein; and

[0118] R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted amino, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, thioalkoxy and substituted thioalkoxy.

[0119] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0120] wherein R⁶, R¹⁰ and p are as defined herein; and

[0121] D-E is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, substituted alkylene, substituted alkenylene and —N═CH—.

[0122] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0123] wherein R⁶, R⁸, R⁹, g and p are as defined herein; and

[0124] Q is oxygen, sulfur, —S(O)— or —S(O)₂—.

[0125] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0126] wherein R⁶, R⁸ and p are as defined herein.

[0127] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, W is a cyclic ring of the formula:

[0128] wherein R⁸ is as defined herein.

[0129] In the above formulae, preferably each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy and halo; each R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy and halo; each R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl; each R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl; and g, p, q and r are 0 or 1. More preferably, g, p, q and r are 0.

[0130] Compounds of this invention include, by way of example, the following:

[0131] i.e., 5S-[N′-(2S-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl)-2S-aminoprop-1-yl]amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one.

[0132] The products of this invention include mixtures of R,S enantiomers at any stereochemical center. Preferably, however, when a chiral product is desired, the chiral product corresponds to the L-amino acid derivative. In the formulas set forth herein, a mixture of R,S enantiomers at the stereochemical center is sometimes indicated by a squiggly line as per convention. Othertimes, no stereochemical designation is made at the stereochemical center and this also infers that a mixture of enantiomers is present.

[0133] Also included within the scope of this invention are prodrugs of the compounds of formula I above including acylated forms of alcohols and thiols, aminals of one or more amines, and the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0134] As above, this invention relates to compounds which inhibit β-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis, and, accordingly, have utility in treating Alzheimer's disease. However, prior to describing this invention in further detail, the following terms will first be defined.

Definitions

[0135] The term “β-amyloid peptide” refers to a 39-43 amino acid peptide having a molecular weight of about 4.2 kD, which peptide is substantially homologous to the form of the protein described by Glenner, et al.¹ including mutations and post-translational modifications of the normal β-amyloid peptide. In whatever form, the β-amyloid peptide is an approximate 39-43 amino acid fragment of a large membrane-spanning glycoprotein, referred to as the β-amyloid precursor protein (APP). Its 43-amino acid sequence is: 1 (SEQ ID NO: 1) Asp Ala Glu Phe Arg His Asp Ser Gly Tyr 11 Glu Val His His Gln Lys Leu Val Phe Phe 21 Ala Glu Asp Val Gly Ser Asn Lys Gly Ala 31 Ile Ile Gly Leu Met Val Gly Gly Val Val 41 Ile Ala Thr

[0136] or a sequence which is substantially homologous thereto.

[0137] “Alkyl” refers to monovalent alkyl groups preferably having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms. This term is exemplified by groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, n-hexyl, and the like.

[0138] “Substituted alkyl” refers to an alkyl group, preferably of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, having from 1 to 5 substituents, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyacylamino, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, keto, thioketo, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl,—SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl and —SO₂-heteroaryl.

[0139] “Alkylene” refers to divalent alkylene groups preferably having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms. This term is exemplified by groups such as methylene (—CH₂—), ethylene (—CH₂CH₂—), the propylene isomers (e.g., —CH₂CH₂CH₂— and —CH(CH₃)CH₂—) and the like.

[0140] “Substituted alkylene” refers to an alkylene group, preferably of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, having from 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, keto, thioketo, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, nitro —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl. Additionally, such substituted alkylene groups include those where 2 substituents on the alkylene group are fused to form one or more cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclic or heteroaryl groups fused to the alkylene group. Preferably such fused cycloalkyl groups contain from 1 to 3 fused ring structures.

[0141] “Alkenylene” refers to divalent alkenylene groups preferably having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms. This term is exemplified by groups such as ethenylene (—CH═CH—), the propenylene isomers (e.g., —CH₂CH═CH— and —C(CH₃)═CH—) and the like.

[0142] “Substituted alkenylene” refers to an alkenylene group, preferably of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, having from 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, keto, thioketo, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, nitro —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl. Additionally, such substituted alkylene groups include those where 2 substituents on the alkylene group are fused to form one or more cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclic or heteroaryl groups fused to the alkylene group.

[0143] “Alkaryl” refers to -alkylene-aryl groups preferably having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms in the alkylene moiety and from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in the aryl moiety. Such alkaryl groups are exemplified by benzyl, phenethyl and the like.

[0144] “Alkoxy” refers to the group “alkyl-O—”. Preferred alkoxy groups include, by way of example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-butoxy, tert-butoxy, sec-butoxy, n-pentoxy, n-hexoxy, 1,2-dimethylbutoxy, and the like.

[0145] “Substituted alkoxy” refers to the group “substituted alkyl-O—” where substituted alkyl is as defined above.

[0146] “Alkylalkoxy” refers to the group “-alkylene-O-alkyl” which includes by way of example, methylenemethoxy (—CH₂OCH₃), ethylenemethoxy (—CH₂CH₂OCH₃), n-propylene-iso-propoxy (—CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH(CH₃)₂), methylene-t-butoxy (—CH₂—O—C(CH₃)₃) and the like.

[0147] “Alkylthioalkoxy” refers to the group “-alkylene-S-alkyl” which includes by way of example, methylenethiomethoxy (—CH₂SCH₃), ethylenethiomethoxy (—CH₂CH₂SCH₃), n-propylene-thio-iso-propoxy (—CH₂CH₂CH₂SCH(CH₃)₂), methylenethio-t-butoxy (—CH₂SC(CH₃)₃) and the like.

[0148] “Alkenyl” refers to alkenyl groups preferably having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least 1 and preferably from 1-2 sites of alkenyl unsaturation. Preferred alkenyl groups include ethenyl (—CH═CH₂), n-propenyl (—CH₂CH═CH₂), iso-propenyl (—C(CH₃)═CH₂), and the like.

[0149] “Substituted alkenyl” refers to an alkenyl group as defined above having from 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, keto, thioketo, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, nitro —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl.

[0150] “Alkynyl” refers to alkynyl groups preferably having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least 1 and preferably from 1-2 sites of alkynyl unsaturation. Preferred alkynyl groups include ethynyl (—C≡CH), propargyl (—CH₂C≡CH) and the like.

[0151] “Substituted alkynyl” refers to an alkynyl group as defined above having from 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, keto, thioketo, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, nitro —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl.

[0152] “Acyl” refers to the groups alkyl-C(O)—, substituted alkyl-C(O)—, cycloalkyl-C(O)—, substituted cycloalkyl-C(O)—, aryl-C(O)—, heteroaryl-C(O)— and heterocyclic-C(O)— where alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0153] “Acylamino” refers to the group —C(O)NRR where each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic and where both R groups are joined to form a heterocyclic group, wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0154] “Amino” refers to the group —NH₂.

[0155] “Substituted amino” refers to the group —N(R)₂ where each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic and where both R groups are joined to form a heterocyclic group. When both R groups are hydrogen, —N(R)₂ is an amino group. Examples of substituted amino groups include, by way of illustration, mono- and di-alkylamino, mono- and di-(substituted alkyl)amino, mono- and di-arylamino, mono- and di-heteroarylamino, mono- and di-heterocyclic amino, and unsymmetric di-substituted amines having different substituents selected from alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic, and the like.

[0156] The term “amino-blocking group” or “amino-protecting group” refers to any group which, when bound to an amino group, prevents undesired reactions from occurring at the amino group and which may be removed by conventional chemical and/or enzymatic procedures to reestablish the amino group. Any known amino-blocking group may be used in this invention. Typically, the amino-blocking group is selected so as to render the resulting blocked-amino group unreactive to the particular reagents and reaction conditions employed in a subsequent pre-determined chemical reaction or series of reactions. After completion of the reaction(s), the amino-blocking group is selectively removed to regenerate the amino group. Examples of suitable amino-blocking groups include, by way of illustration, tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc), benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz), acetyl, 1-(1′-adamantyl)-1-methylethoxycarbonyl (Acm), allyloxycarbonyl (Aloc), benzyloxymethyl (Bom), 2-p-biphenylisopropyloxycarbonyl (Bpoc), tert-butyldimethylsilyl (Bsi), benzoyl (Bz), benzyl (Bn), 9-fluorenyl-methyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc), 4-methylbenzyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, 2-nitrophenylsulfenyl (Nps), 3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl (NPys), trifluoroacetyl (Tfa), 2,4,6-trimethoxybenzyl (Tmob), trityl (Trt), and the like. If desired, amino-blocking groups covalently attached to a solid support may also be employed.

[0157] “Aminoacyl” refers to the group —NRC(O)R where each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclic wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0158] “Aminoacyloxy” refers to the group —NRC(O)OR where each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclic wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0159] “Acyloxy” refers to the groups alkyl-C(O)O—, substituted alkyl-C(O)O—, cycloalkyl-C(O)O—, substituted cycloalkyl-C(O)—, aryl-C(O)O—, heteroaryl-C(O)O—, and heterocyclic-C(O)O— wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0160] “Aryl” refers to an unsaturated aromatic carbocyclic group of from 6 to 14 carbon atoms having a single ring (e.g., phenyl) or multiple condensed (fused) rings (e.g., naphthyl or anthryl). Preferred aryls include phenyl, naphthyl and the like.

[0161] Unless otherwise constrained by the definition for the aryl substituent, such aryl groups can optionally be substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting of acyloxy, hydroxy, acyl, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxy, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, acylamino, alkaryl, aryl, aryloxy, azido, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, aminoacyloxy, oxyacylamino, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —SO₂-heteroaryl and trihalomethyl. Preferred substituents include alkyl, alkoxy, halo, cyano, nitro, trihalomethyl, and thioalkoxy.

[0162] “Aryloxy” refers to the group aryl-O— wherein the aryl group is as defined above including optionally substituted aryl groups as also defined above.

[0163] “Carboxyalkyl” refers to the groups “—C(O)Oalkyl” and “—C(O)O-substituted alkyl” where alkyl is as defined above.

[0164] “Cycloalkyl” refers to cyclic alkyl groups of from 3 to 12 carbon atoms having a single cyclic ring or multiple condensed rings. Such cycloalkyl groups include, by way of example, single ring structures such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclooctyl, and the like, or multiple ring structures such as adamantanyl, and the like.

[0165] “Substituted cycloalkyl” refers to cycloalkyl groups having from 1 to 5 (preferably 1 to 3) substituents selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyacylamino, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, keto, thioketo, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl.

[0166] “Cycloalkenyl” refers to cyclic alkenyl groups of from 4 to 8 carbon atoms having a single cyclic ring and at least one point of internal unsaturation. Examples of suitable cycloalkenyl groups include, for instance, cyclobut-2-enyl, cyclopent-3-enyl, cyclooct-3-enyl and the like.

[0167] “Substituted cycloalkenyl” refers to cycloalkenyl groups having from 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyacylamino, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, keto, thioketo, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl.

[0168] “Halo” or “halogen” refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo and preferably is either fluoro or chloro.

[0169] “Heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic group of from 1 to 15 carbon atoms and 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur within at least one ring (if there is more than one ring).

[0170] Unless otherwise constrained by the definition for the heteroaryl substituent, such heteroaryl groups can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting of acyloxy, hydroxy, acyl, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxy, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, acylamino, alkaryl, aryl, aryloxy, azido, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, aminoacyloxy, oxyacylamino, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —SO₂-heteroaryl and trihalomethyl. Such heteroaryl groups can have a single ring (e.g., pyridyl or furyl) or multiple condensed rings (e.g., indolizinyl or benzothienyl). Preferred heteroaryls include pyridyl, pyrrolyl and furyl.

[0171] “Heteroaryloxy” refers to the group “—O-heteroaryl”.

[0172] “Heterocycle” or “heterocyclic” refers to a monovalent saturated or unsaturated group having a single ring or multiple condensed rings, from 1 to 15 carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen within the ring.

[0173] Unless otherwise constrained by the definition for the heterocyclic substituent, such heterocyclic groups can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyacylamino, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, keto, thioketo, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl. Such heterocyclic groups can have a single ring or multiple condensed rings. Preferred heterocyclics include morpholino, piperidinyl, and the like.

[0174] Examples of heterocycles and heteroaryls include, but are not limited to, pyrrole, furan, imidazole, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, indolizine, isoindole, indole, indazole, purine, quinolizine, isoquinoline, quinoline, phthalazine, naphthylpyridine, quinoxaline, quinazoline, cinnoline, pteridine, carbazole, carboline, phenanthridine, acridine, phenanthroline, isothiazole, phenazine, isoxazole, phenoxazine, phenothiazine, imidazolidine, imidazoline, piperidine, piperazine, indoline, morpholino, piperidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, and the like as well as N-alkoxy-nitrogen containing heterocycles.

[0175] “Heterocyclooxy” refers to the group “—O-heterocycle”.

[0176] “Keto” or “oxo” refers to the group “═O”.

[0177] “Oxyacylamino” refers to the group —OC(O)NRR where each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclic wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0178] “Thiol” refers to the group —SH.

[0179] “Thioalkoxy” refers to the group —S-alkyl.

[0180] “Substituted thioalkoxy” refers to the group —S-substituted alkyl.

[0181] “Thioaryloxy” refers to the group aryl-S— wherein the aryl group is as defined above including optionally substituted aryl groups also defined above.

[0182] “Thioheteroaryloxy” refers to the group heteroaryl-S— wherein the heteroaryl group is as defined above including optionally substituted aryl groups as also defined above.

[0183] “Thioketo” refers to the group “═S”.

[0184] The term “5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one” refers to a polycyclic ε-caprolactam ring system having the formula:

[0185] wherein, for nomenclature purposes, the atoms and bonds are numbered and lettered, respectively, as shown.

[0186] The term “5,6-dihydro-4H-quino[8,1-ab][3]benzazepin-8(9H)-one” refers to a polycyclic ε-caprolactam ring system having the formula:

[0187] wherein, for nomenclature purposes, the atoms and bonds are numbered and lettered, respectively, as shown.

[0188] The term “1,3,4,7,12,12a-hexahydropyrido[2,1-b][3]benzazepin-6(2H)-one” refers to a polycyclic ε-caprolactam ring system having the formula:

[0189] wherein, for nomenclature purposes, the atoms and bonds are numbered and lettered, respectively, as shown.

[0190] The term “4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,7-methano-3H-3-benzazonin-2(1H)-one” refers to a polycyclic ε-caprolactam ring system having the formula:

[0191] wherein, for nomenclature purposes, the atoms and bonds are numbered and lettered, respectively, as shown.

[0192] As to any of the above groups which contain 1 or more substituents, it is understood, of course, that such groups do not contain any substitution or substitution patterns which are sterically impractical and/or synthetically non-feasible.

[0193] “Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of a compound of formula I which salts are derived from a variety of organic and inorganic counter ions well known in the art and include, by way of example only, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, tetraalkylammonium, and the like; and when the molecule contains a basic functionality, salts of organic or inorganic acids, such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, tartrate, mesylate, acetate, maleate, oxalate and the like can be used as the pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

[0194] The term “protecting group” or “blocking group” refers to any group which when bound to one or more hydroxyl, thiol, carboxyl groups or other protectable functional group of the compounds which prevents reactions from occurring at these groups and which protecting group can be removed by conventional chemical or enzymatic steps to reestablish the unprotected functional group. The particular removable blocking group employed is not critical and preferred removable hydroxyl blocking groups include conventional substituents such as allyl, benzyl, acetyl, chloroacetyl, thiobenzyl, benzylidine, phenacyl, t-butyl-diphenylsilyl and any other group that can be introduced chemically onto a hydroxyl functionality and later selectively removed either by chemical or enzymatic methods in mild conditions compatible with the nature of the product.

[0195] Preferred carboxyl protecting groups include esters such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, t-butyl etc. which can be removed by mild hydrolysis conditions compatible with the nature of the product.

Compound Preparation

[0196] When m and n are one, the compounds of formula I are readily prepared by conventional reductive amination, followed by acylation as illustrated in Scheme 1.

[0197] As shown in Scheme 1, a protected aldehyde or ketone 1 (where B¹ is a protecting group and R^(2′) and a are as defined herein) can be coupled with an amine compound, such as 2 (where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, p and q are as defined herein), by conventional reductive amination to provide, after deprotection, intermediate 3. In Scheme 1, amine 2 is merely representative and those skilled in the art will recognize that amino derivatives of any of the other ring systems described herein may be employed in this reaction. Typically, this reaction is conducted by contacting amine 2 with an excess of 1, preferably with 1.1 to 2 equivalents of 1, and an excess, preferably 1.1 to 1.5 equivalents, of a reducing agent, such as sodium cyanoborohydride. Generally, this reaction is conducted in an essentially inert diluent, such as methanol, at a temperature ranging from about 0° C. to about 50° C., preferably at ambient temperature, for about 0.5 to 3 hours. Removal of the amine protecting group using conventional procedures and reagents then affords intermediate 3.

[0198] Intermediate 3 can then be acylated or coupled with a carboxylic acid, e.g., 4 (where R¹, T, X′ and X″ are as defined herein), to provide compound 5. This reaction is typically conducted using conventional coupling reagents and procedures and at least a stoichiometric amount of intermediate 3 and carboxylic acid 4. For example, well known coupling reagents such as carbodiumides with or without the use of well known additives such as N-hydroxysuccinimide, 1-hydroxybenzotriazole, etc. can be used to facilitate coupling. The reaction is conventionally conducted in an inert aprotic polar diluent such as dimethylformamide, dichloromethane, chloroform, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran and the like. Alternatively, the acid halide of compound 4 can be employed in reaction (1) and, when so employed, it is typically employed in the presence of a suitable base to scavenge the acid generated during the reaction. Suitable bases include, by way of example, triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, N-methylmorpholine and the like.

[0199] Alternatively, compound 5 can be prepared by reductive amination of a compound of formula 6:

[0200] where R¹, R^(2′), T, X′, X″ and a are as defined herein, with amine 2, using conventional reagents and procedures.

[0201] Compounds of formula 1, where n is 1 and m is 0, can similarly be prepared by reductive amination of an intermediate of formula 7:

[0202] where B² is a suitable amine protecting group and R¹, R^(2′) and a are as defined herein, with amine 2, followed by deprotection using conventional procedures.

[0203] When n is two and both of Y are represented by the formula —(CHR^(2′))_(a)—NH—, the compounds of formula I can be prepared by further reductive alkylation of intermediate 3 with, for example, compound 6 or 7, using conventional reagents and procedures. Alternatively, intermediate 3 can be reductively alkylated with protected aldehyde or ketone 1 and the resulting intermediate deprotected and acylated using procedures similar to those described above.

[0204] Compounds in which n is two and one of Y is represented by the formula —(CHR^(2′))_(a)—NH— and the other Y is represented by the formula —CHR²—C(O)NH— can be prepared by coupling intermediate 3 with a protected carboxylic acid of formula 8:

[0205] where R¹, R², Z and m are as defined herein, using conventional coupling reagents and procedures such as those described above, to afford compounds of formula I.

[0206] Alternatively, compounds of formula I can be prepared by first coupling an amine, such as 2, with a protected carboxylic acid 9, and then, after deprotection, reductively alkylating the resulting intermediate 10 as illustrated in Scheme 2.

[0207] When n is 2, the aldehyde, ketone or carboxylic acid units may also be coupled together prior to reaction with an amine using the reductive amination or acylation procedures described above, as appropriate. The resulting intermediate is then coupled to the amine, such as 2, to afford compounds of formula I.

Synthesis of Aldehyde, Ketone and Carboxylic Acid Starting Materials

[0208] The aldehyde, ketone and carboxylic acids employed in the above reactions can be readily prepared by several divergent synthetic routes with the particular route selected relative to the ease of compound preparation, commercial availability of starting materials, whether m is zero or one, whether n is one or two, etc.

[0209] A. Synthesis of Aldehydes and Ketones

[0210] The aldehyde and ketone compounds, e.g. 1, 6 and 7, employed in this invention can be readily prepared by oxidizing the corresponding alcohol using conventional oxidizing agents. For example, Swern oxidation of N-protected. amino primary alcohols affords the corresponding aldehyde. Typically, this reaction is conducted by contacting the alcohol with a mixture of oxalyl chloride and dimethyl sulfoxide in the presence of a tertiary amine, such as triethylamine. Generally, this reaction is conducted in an inert diluent, such as dichloromethane, at an intial temperature of about −78° C. and then at ambient temperature for about 0.25 to 2 hours to afford the aldehyde. The alcohols employed in this reaction are either commercially available or can be prepared using conventional reagents and procedures. For example, suitable alcohols can be prepared by reduction of the corresponding amino acids or amino acid esters using conventional reducing agents such as lithium aluminum hydride and the like.

[0211] B. Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids

[0212] The carboxylic acids of formula 8, where m is 0, can be prepared by various conventional procedures. For example, reaction of a halo acetic acid 11 (where Z′ is a halo group such as chloro or bromo and R² is as defined herein) with a primary amine 12 (where R¹is as defined herein) provides an amino acid 13 as illustrated in Scheme 3. Alternatively, leaving groups other than halo may be employed such as triflate and the like. Additionally, suitable esters of 11 may be employed in this reaction.

[0213] As shown in Scheme 3, a suitable haloacetic acid derivative 11 is reacted with a primary amine 12 under conditions which provide for amino acid 13. This reaction is described by, for example, Yates, et al.¹⁰ and proceeds by combining approximately stoichiometric equivalents of haloacetic acid 11 with primary amine 12 in a suitable inert diluent such as water, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and the like. The reaction employs an excess of a suitable base such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, etc. to scavenge the acid generated by the reaction. The reaction is preferably conducted at from about 25° C. to about 100° C. until reaction completion which typically occurs within 1 to about 24 hours. This reaction is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,598,859, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Upon reaction completion, N-substituted amino acid 13 is recovered by conventional methods including precipitation, chromatography, filtration and the like.

[0214] Each of the reagents employed in this reaction (e.g., haloacetic acid 11, and primary amine 12) are well known in the art with a plurality of each being commercially available.

[0215] In an alternative embodiment, the R¹ group can be coupled to an alanine ester (or other suitable amino acid ester) by conventional N-arylation. For example, a stoichiometric equivalent or slight excess of the amino acid ester can be dissolved in a suitable diluent such as DMSO and coupled with a halo-R¹ compound, Z′-R′ where Z′ is a halo group such as chloro or bromo and R¹ is as defined above. The reaction is conducted in the presence of an excess of base such as sodium hydroxide to scavenge the acid generated by the reaction. The reaction typically proceeds at from 15° C. to about 250° C. and is complete in about 1 to 24 hours. Upon reaction completion, N-substituted amino acid ester is recovered by conventional methods including chromatography, filtration and the like. This ester is then hydrolyzed by conventional methods to provide for carboxylic acid 8, where m is 0.

[0216] In still another alternative embodiment, esterified amino acids of formula 8, where m is 0, can be prepared by reductive amination of a suitable pyruvate ester 14 (where R is typically an alkyl group and R² is as defined above) with a primary amine 12 (where R¹ is as defined herein) in the manner illustrated in Scheme 4.

[0217] The reaction shown in Scheme 4 is typically conducted by combining approximately stoichiometric equivalents of pyruvate ester 14 and amine 12 in an inert diluent such as methanol, ethanol and the like under conditions which provide for imine formation (not shown). The imine formed is then reduced under conventional conditions by a suitable reducing agent such as sodium cyanoborohydride, H₂/palladium on carbon and the like to form the N-substituted amino acid ester 15. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reducing agent is H₂/palladium on carbon which is incorporated into the initial reaction medium which permits imine reduction in situ in a one pot procedure to provide for the N-substituted amino acid ester 15.

[0218] The reaction is preferably conducted at from about 20° C. to about 80° C. at a pressure of from 1 to 10 atmospheres until reaction completion which typically occurs within 1 to about 24 hours. Upon reaction completion, N-substituted amino acid ester 15 is recovered by conventional methods including chromatography, filtration and the like. Subsequent hydrolysis of the ester 15 leads to the corresponding carboxylic acid derivative 8, where m is 0.

[0219] The carboxylic acids of formula 8, where m is 1, can be prepared by conventional coupling of an acetic acid derivative 4 (where R¹, T, X′ and X″ are as defined herein) with a primary amine of an esterified amino acid (where R is typically an alkyl group and R² is as defined herein) as illustrated in Scheme 5.

[0220] As shown in Scheme 5, this reaction merely involves coupling of a suitable acetic acid derivative 4 with the primary amine of amino acid ester 16 under conditions which provide for the N-acetyl derivative 17. This reaction is conventionally conducted as described for peptide synthesis and synthetic methods used therein can also be employed to prepare the N-acetyl amino acid esters 17 of this invention. For example, well known coupling reagents such as carbodiimides with or without the use of well known additives such as N-hydroxysuccinimide, 1-hydroxybenzotriazole, etc. can be used to facilitate coupling. The reaction is conventionally conducted in an inert aprotic polar diluent such as dimethylformamide, dichloromethane, chloroform, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran and the like. Alternatively, the acid halide of compound 4 can be employed and, when so employed, it is typically employed in the presence of a suitable base to scavenge the acid generated during the reaction. Suitable bases include, by way of example, triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, N-methylmorpholine and the like.

[0221] The coupling reaction of 4 and 16 is preferably conducted at from about 0° C. to about 60° C. until reaction completion which typically occurs within 1 to about 24 hours. Upon reaction completion, N-acetyl amino acid ester 17 is recovered by conventional methods including precipitation, chromatography, filtration and the like or alternatively is hydrolyzed to the corresponding acid without purification and/or isolation other than conventional work-up (e.g., aqueous extraction, etc.).

[0222] Each of the reagents (e.g., acetic acid derivative 4 and amino acid ester 16) are well known in the art with a plurality of each being commercially available.

[0223] Carboxylic acids, such as 4, can also be coupled to amines prepared by use of polymer supported forms of carbodiimide peptide coupling reagents. A polymer supported form of EDC, for example, has been described (Tetrahedron Letters, 34(48), 7685 (1993))¹¹. Additionally, a new carbodiimide coupling reagent, PEPC, and its corresponding polymer supported forms have been discovered and are very useful for the preparation of such compounds.

[0224] Polymers suitable for use in making a polymer supported coupling reagent are either commercially available or may be prepared by methods well known to the artisan skilled in the polymer arts. A suitable polymer must possess pendant sidechains bearing moieties reactive with the terminal amine of the carbodiimide. Such reactive moieties include chloro, bromo, iodo and methanesulfonyl. Preferably, the reactive moiety is a chloromethyl group. Additionally, the polymer's backbone must be inert to both the carbodiimide and reaction conditions under which the ultimate polymer bound coupling reagents will be used.

[0225] Certain hydroxymethylated resins may be converted into chloromethylated resins useful for the preparation of polymer supported coupling reagents. Examples of these hydroxylated resins include the 4-hydroxymethylphenyl-acetamidomethyl resin (Pam Resin) and 4-benzyloxybenzyl alcohol resin (Wang Resin) available from Advanced Chemtech of Louisville, Ky., USA (see Advanced Chemtech 1993-1994 catalog, page 115). The hydroxymethyl groups of these resins may be converted into the desired chloromethyl groups by any of a number of methods well known to the skilled artisan.

[0226] Preferred resins are the chloromethylated styrene/divinylbenzene resins because of their ready commercial availability. As the name suggests, these resins are already chloromethylated and require no chemical modification prior to use. These resins are commercially known as Merrifield's resins and are available from Aldrich Chemical Company of Milwaukee, Wis., USA (see Aldrich 1994-1995 catalog, page 899). Methods for the preparation of PEPC and its polymer supported forms are outlined in Scheme 6.

[0227] Such methods are described more fully in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/019,790¹⁴ filed Jun. 14, 1996 which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Briefly, PEPC is prepared by first reacting ethyl isocyanate with 1-(3-aminopropyl)pyrrolidine. The resulting urea is treated with 4-toluenesulfonyl chloride to provide PEPC. The polymer supported form is prepared by reaction of PEPC with an appropriate resin under standard conditions to give the desired reagent.

[0228] The carboxylic acid coupling reactions employing these reagents are performed at about ambient to about 45° C., for from about 3 to 120 hours. Typically, the product may be isolated by washing the reaction with CHCl₃ and concentrating the remaining organics under reduced pressure. As discussed supra, isolation of products from reactions where a polymer bound reagent has been used is greatly simplified, requiring only filtration of the reaction mixture and then concentration of the filtrate under reduced pressure.

Preparation of Cyclic Compounds (e.g. Benzaepinones, Dibenzazepinones, Benzodiazepines and Related Compounds)

[0229] The cyclic compounds and amino-substituted derivatives thereof, such as 2, employed in the reactions described above are either known in the art or can be prepared by art-recognized procedures using commercially available starting materials and reagents.

[0230] For example, 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one may be prepared by cyclizing a chloromethyl amide intermediate using the procedures set forth in R. F. C. Brown et al., Tetrahedron Letters 1971, 8, 667-670¹² and references cited therein.

[0231] Additionally, the synthesis of a representative cyclic compound, i.e., a 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, is illustrated in Scheme 7. As will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the synthetic procedure illustrated in Scheme 1 and the reaction conditions described below can be modified by selecting the appropriate starting materials and reagents to allow the preparation of other cyclic amines suitable for use in this invention.

[0232] As shown in Scheme 7, 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one derivatives, 23, wherein R⁶, R⁷, p and q are as defined above, can be readily prepared in several steps from a 2-bromotoluene derivative 18 and a 2-bromoaniline derivative 20. In this synthetic procedure, the 2-bromotoluene derivative, 18, is first converted into the corresponding 2-methylphenylboronate ester, 19. This reaction is typically conducted by treating 18 with about 1.0 to about 2.1 equivalents of an alkyl lithium reagent, preferably sec-butyl lithium or tert-butyl lithium, in an inert diluent, such as THF, at a temperature ranging from about −80° C. to about −60° C. for about 0.25 to about 1 hour. The resulting lithium anion is then treated in situ with an excess, preferably 1.5 equivalents, of a trialkylborate, such as trimethylborate. This reaction is initially conducted at −80° C. to about −60° C. and then allowed to warm to about 0° C. to about 30° C. for about 0.5 to about 3 hours. The resulting methyl boronate ester is typically not isolated, but is preferably converted in situ into the pinacol ester by treating the reaction mixture with an excess, preferably about 2.0 equivalents, of pinacol. This reaction is typically conducted at ambient temperature for about 12 to about 24 hours to afford the 2-methylphenylboronate ester, 19, in which both R^(a) groups are preferably joined together to form —C(CH₃)₂C(CH₃)₂—.

[0233] In a separate reaction, the amino group of a 2-bromoaniline derivative, 20, is converted into the N-Boc derivative 21 by treating 20 with about 1.0 to about 1.5 equivalents of di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate. Typically, this reaction is conducted at a temperature ranging from 25° C. to about 100° C. for about 12 to 48 hours to afford the N-Boc-2-bromoaniline derivative 21.

[0234] As further illustrated in Scheme 7, the 2-methylphenylboronate ester, 19, and the N-Boc-2-bromoaniline derivative 21 can then be coupled to form the biphenyl derivative 22. This reaction is typically conducted by contacting 21 with about 1.0 to about 1.2 equivalents of 19 and about 1.0 to about 1.2 equivalents of potassium carbonate in the presence of a pallidium catalyst, preferably tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)pallidium(0). Generally, this coupling reaction is conducted in a diluent, preferably 20% water/dioxane, under an inert atmosphere at a temperature ranging from about 50° C. to about 100° C. for about 6 to 24 hours.

[0235] Biphenyl derivative 22 is then readily converted into the 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one 23 by carboxylation of the 2-methyl group, followed by cyclization to form the ε-caprolactam. The carboxylation reaction is typically conducted by contacting 22 with about 2.0 to about 2.5 equivalents of a suitable base, such as sec-butyllithium, tert-butyllithium and the like, in an inert diluent, such as THF, at a temperature ranging from about −100° C. to about −20° C. for about 0.5 to 6 hours. The resulting dianon is then treated with excess anhydrous carbon dioxide to form the carboxylate. Treatment of the carboxylate with excess hydrogen chloride in a suitable diluent, such as methanol, at a temperature ranging from about 25° C. to about 100° C. then affords the 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one 23. Various other cyclic compounds can be prepared by routine modifications of the above described procedures.

[0236] Preferred synthetic procedures for aminating a representative compound are illustrated in Scheme 8. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the synthetic procedure illustrated in Scheme 8 and the following reaction conditions can be modified by selecting the appropriate starting materials and reagents to allow the preparation of other amino compounds suitable for use in this invention.

[0237] As shown in Scheme 8, 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, 23, is optionally N-alkylated using conventional reagents and conditions to provide a 7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one derivative, 24. Typically, this reaction is conducted by first contacting 23 with about 1.0 to 1.5 equivalents of a suitable base, such as sodium hydride, sodium bis(trimethysilyl)amide and the like, in an inert diluent, such as DMF, THF and the like, at a temperature ranging from about −78° C. to about 50° C. for about 0.25 to about 6 hours. The resulting anion is then treated in situ with an excess, preferably about 1.1 to about 2.0 equivalents, of an alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl halide, etc., typically a chloride, bromide or iodide. This reaction is typically conducted at a temperature ranging from about 0° C. to about 60° C. for about 1.0 to about 48 hours to afford the 7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one derivative, 24.

[0238] The 7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one 24 is then oximated by contacting 24 with an excess, preferably with about 1.0 to 1.5 equivalents of a suitable base, such as sodium bis(trimethysilyl)amide and the like, in the presence of about 1.0 to about 2.0 equivalents of an alkyl nitrite. Suitable alkyl nitrites for use in this reaction include, by way of example, butyl nitrite, isoamyl nitrite and the like. This reaction is typically conducted in an inert diluent, such as THF and the like, at a temperature ranging from about −10° C. to about 20° C. for about 0.5 to about 6 hours to afford the 7-alkyl-5-oximo-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one derivative 25.

[0239] Reduction of 25 using conventional reagents and conditions then affords the 5-amino-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one 26. Preferably, this reduction reaction is conducted by hydrogenating the oxime 25 in the presence of a catalyst, such as Raney nickel. This reaction is typically conducted under about 200 psi to about 600 psi of hydrogen at a temperature of about 70° C. to about 120° C. for about 8 to 48 hours in a diluent, preferably a mixture of ethanol and ammonia (about 20:1). Alternatively, in another preferred procedure, the oxime may be reduced using 10% Pd/C and between about 30 to about 60 psi of hydrogen at a temperature ranging from about 20° C. to about 50° C. for about 4 hours. The resulting 5-amino-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one 26 is generally purified using well known procedures, such as recrystallization and/or chromatography.

[0240] Alternatively, 5-amino-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-ones, 26, can be prepared by first forming the 5-iodo derivative 27 of 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, 23. This reaction is typically conducted as described in A. O. King et al.¹³ by treating 23 with an excess, preferably about 1.2 to about 2.5 equivalents, of trimethylsilyl iodide in the presence of an excess of a trialkyamine, such as triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, TMEDA and the like, at a temperature ranging from about −20° C. to about 0° C. for about 3 to 30 minutes and then adding about 1.1 to about 2.0 equivalents of iodine (I₂). Typically, after addition of the iodide, the reaction is stirred at a temperature ranging from about 0° C. to about 20° C. for about 2 to about 4 hours to afford 5-iodo-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, 27.

[0241] Displacement of iodide from 27 using an alkali metal azide then affords 5-azido-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, 28. Typically, this reaction is conducted by contacting 27 with about 1.1 to about 1.5 equivalents of sodium azide in an inert diluent, such as DMF, at a temperature ranging from about 0° C. to about 50° C. for about 12 to about 48 hours.

[0242] The azido derivative 28 is then reduced to the corresponding amino derivative 29 using conventional procedures and reagents. For example, the azido group is preferably reduced by contacting 28 with an excess, preferably with about 3 equivalents, of triphenylphosphine in a diluent, preferably a mixture of THF and water. This reduction reaction is typically conducted at a temperature ranging from about 0° C. to about 50° C. for about 12 to 48 hours to afford 5-amino-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, 29.

[0243] The amino group of 29 is then protected or blocked using a conventional amino blocking group. Preferably, compound 29 is treated with about 1.0 to about 1.1 equivalents of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate in the presence of an excess, preferably about 2 to about 3 equivalents, of a trialkylamine, such as triethylamine. This reaction is typically conducted in an inert diluent, such as THF, at a temperature ranging from about 0° C. to about 50° C. for 3 to about 24 hours to provide 5-(N-Boc-amino)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, 30.

[0244] Compound 30 is then optionally N-alkylated to afford, after de-blocking of the amino group, a 5-amino-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, 26. The N-alkylation reaction is typically conducted by treating 30 with about 1.0 to 1.5 equivalents of an alkyl halide, a substituted alkyl halide or a cycloalkyl halide in the presence of about 1.0 to about 1.5 equivalents of a suitable base, such as cesium carbonate and the like. This reaction is generally conducted in an inert diluent, such as DMF and the like, at a temperature ranging from about 25° C. to about 100° C. for about 12 to about 48 hours.

[0245] Representative alkyl, substituted alkyl and cycloalkyl halides suitable for use in this N-alkylation reaction include, by way of illustration, 1-iodo-2-methylpropane, methyl bromoacetate, 1-chloro-3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone, 1-chloro-4-phenylbutane, bromomethylcyclopropane, 1-bromo-2,2,2-trifluoroethane, bromocyclohexane, 1-bromohexane and the like.

[0246] The N-Boc protecting group is then removed using conventional procedures and reagents to afford the 5-amino-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, 26. This deblocking reaction is typically conducted by treating the N-Boc compound 30 with anhydrous hydrogen chloride in an inert diluent, such as 1,4-dioxane, at a temperature ranging from about 0° C. to about 50° C. for about 2 to about 8 hours. The resulting 5-amino-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one 26 is generally purified using well known procedures, such as recrystallization and/or chromatography.

[0247] The 5-amino-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-ones, 26, can also be prepared via an azide transfer reaction as illustrated in Scheme 9.

[0248] As shown in Scheme 9, 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, 23, is first N-alkylated as described above using conventional reagents and conditions to provide a 7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one derivative, 24.

[0249] The 7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one 24 is then reacted with an azide transfer reagent to afford 5-azido-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one 31. Typically, this reaction is conducted by first contacting 24 with an excess, preferably with about 1.0 to 1.5 equivalents of a suitable base, such as lithium diisopropylamine and the like, in an inert diluent such as THF, at a temperature ranging from about −90° C. to about −60° C. for about 0.25 to about 2.0 hours. The resulting anion is then treated with an excess, preferably with about 1.1 to about 1.2 equivalents, of an azide transfer reagent, such as 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl azide (trisyl azide). This reaction is typically conducted at a temperature ranging from about −90° C. to about −60° C. for about 0.25 to about 2.0 hours. The reaction mixture is then typically treated with an excess of glacial acetic acid and the mixture is allowed to warm to ambient temperature and then heated at about 35° C. to about 50° C. for about 2 to 4 hours to afford the 5-azido-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one derivative 31. Reduction of 31 as described above using conventional reagents and conditions then affords the 5-amino-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one 26.

[0250] If desired, the aryl rings of 5-amino-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-ones, 26, and similar or related compounds may be partially or fully saturated by treatment with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogention catalyst. Typically, this reaction is conducted by treating 26 with hydrogen at a pressure of about 10 to about 100 psi in the presence of a catalyst, such as rhodium on carbon. This reaction is typically conducted at a temperature ranging from about 20° C. to about 100° C. for about 12 to 96 hours in a suitable diluent, such as ethyl acetate/acetic acid (1:1) and the like.

[0251] Other methods for preparing intermediates useful in this invention are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/102,726, filed on Jun. 22, 1998 and in U.S. patent application Ser. No.__/___,___, filed on even date herewith (Attorney Docket No. 002010-345), both entitled “Polycyclic α-Amino-ε-caprolactams and Related Compounds”, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0252] Additionally, the synthesis of various benzapinones and related compounds are described in Busacca et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 33, 165-168 (1992); Crosisier et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,080,449; J. A. Robl et al. Tetrahedron Lett., 36(10), 1593-1596 (1995); Flynn et al. J. Med. Chem. 36, 2420-2423 (1993); Orito et al. Tetrahedron, 36, 1017-1021 (1980); Kawase et al., J. Org. Chem., 54, 3394-3403 (1989); Lowe et al., J. Med. Chem. 37, 3789-3811 (1994); Robl et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 4, 1789-1794 (1994); Skiles et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 3, 773-778 (1993); Grunewald et al., J. Med. Chem., 39(18), 3539- (1996); Warshawsky et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 6, 957-962 (1996); Ben-Ishai, et al., Tetrahedron, 43, 439-450 (1987); van Neil et al, Bioorg. Med. Chem. 5, 1421-1426 (1995); and reference cited therein. These publications and patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0253] Similarly, various benzodiazepine derivatives suitable for use in this invention can be prepared using conventional procedures and reagents. For example, a 2-aminobenzophenone can be readily coupled to α-(isopropylthio)-N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)glycine by first forming the acid chloride of the glycine derivative with oxayl chloride, and then coupling the acid chloride with the 2-aminobenzophenone in the presence of a base, such as 4-methylmorpholine, to afford the 2-[α-(isopropylthio)-N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)glycinyl]-aminobenzophenone. Treatment of this compound with ammonia gas in the presence of an excess, preferably about 1.1 to about 1.5 equivalents, of mercury (II) chloride then affords the 2-[N-(α-amino)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]aminobenzophenone. This intermediate can then be readily cyclized by treatment with glacial acetic acid and ammonium acetate to provide the 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one 1. Subsequent removal of the Cbz group affords the 3-amino-2,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one.

[0254] Alternatively, 2,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones can be readily aminated at the 3-position using conventional azide transfer reactions followed by reduction of the resulting azido group to form the corresponding amino group. The conditions for these and related reactions are described in the examples set forth below. Additionally, 2,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones are readily alkylated at the 1-position using conventional procedures and reagents. For example, this reaction is typically conducted by first treating the benzodiazepinone with about 1.1 to about 1.5 equivalents of a base, such as sodium hydride, potassium tert-butoxide, potassium 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane, cesium carbonate, in an inert diluent, such as DMF. This reaction is typically conducted at a temperature ranging from about −78° C. to about 80° C. for about 0.5 to about 6 hours. The resulting anion is then contacted with an excess, preferably about 1.1 to about 3.0 equivalents, of an alkyl halide, typically an alkyl chloride, bromide or iodide. Generally, this reaction is conducted at a temperature of about 0° C. to about 100° C. for about 1 to about 48 hours.

[0255] Additionally, the 3-amino-2,4-dioxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepines employed in this invention are typically prepared by first coupling malonic acid with a 1,2-phenylenediamine. Conditions for this reaction are well known in the art and are described, for example, in PCT Application WO 96-US8400 960603. Subsequent alkylation and amination using conventional procedures and reagents affords various 3-amino-1,5-bis(alkyl)-2,4-dioxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepines. Such procedures are described in further detail in the example set forth below.

[0256] In the synthesis of compounds of formula I using the synthetic methods described herein, the starting materials can contain a chiral center (e.g., alanine) and, when a racemic starting material is employed, the resulting product is a mixture of R,S enantiomers. Alternatively, a chiral isomer of the starting material can be employed and, if the reaction protocol employed does not racemize this starting material, a chiral product is obtained. Such reaction protocols can involve inversion of the chiral center during synthesis.

[0257] Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the products of this invention are a mixture of R,S enantiomers. Preferably, however, when a chiral product is desired, the chiral product corresponds to the L-amino acid derivative. Alternatively, chiral products can be obtained via purification techniques which separates enantiomers from a R,S mixture to provide for one or the other stercoisomer. Such techniques are well known in the art.

Pharmaceutical Formulations

[0258] When employed as pharmaceuticals, the compounds of formula I are usually administered in the form of pharmaceutical compositions. These compounds can be administered by a variety of routes including oral, rectal, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, and intranasal. These compounds are effective as both injectable and oral compositions. Such compositions are prepared in a manner well known in the pharmaceutical art and comprise at least one active compound.

[0259] This invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions which contain, as the active ingredient, one or more of the compounds of formula I above associated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. In making the compositions of this invention, the active ingredient is usually mixed with an excipient, diluted by an excipient or enclosed within such a carrier which can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or other container. When the excipient serves as a diluent, it can be a solid, semi-solid, or liquid material, which acts as a vehicle, carrier or medium for the active ingredient. Thus, the compositions can be in the form of tablets, pills, powders, lozenges, sachets, cachets, elixirs, suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, aerosols (as a solid or in a liquid medium), ointments containing, for example, up to 10% by weight of the active compound, soft and hard gelatin capsules, suppositories, sterile injectable solutions, and sterile packaged powders.

[0260] In preparing a formulation, it may be necessary to mill the active compound to provide the appropriate particle size prior to combining with the other ingredients. If the active compound is substantially insoluble, it ordinarily is milled to a particle size of less than 200 mesh. If the active compound is substantially water soluble, the particle size is normally adjusted by milling to provide a substantially uniform distribution in the formulation, e.g. about 40 mesh.

[0261] Some examples of suitable excipients include lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, starches, gum acacia, calcium phosphate, alginates, tragacanth, gelatin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose, sterile water, syrup, and methyl cellulose. The formulations can additionally include: lubricating agents such as talc, magnesium stearate, and mineral oil; wetting agents; emulsifying and suspending agents; preserving agents such as methyl- and propylhydroxy-benzoates; sweetening agents; and flavoring agents. The compositions of the invention can be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained or delayed release of the active ingredient after administration to the patient by employing procedures known in the art.

[0262] The compositions are preferably formulated in a unit dosage form, each dosage containing from about 5 to about 100 mg, more usually about 10 to about 30 mg, of the active ingredient. The term “unit dosage forms” refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human subjects and other mammals, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with a suitable pharmaceutical excipient. Preferably, the compound of formula I above is employed at no more than about 20 weight percent of the pharmaceutical composition, more preferably no more than about 15 weight percent, with the balance being pharmaceutically inert carrier(s).

[0263] The active compound is effective over a wide dosage range and is generally administered in a pharmaceutically effective amount. It, will be understood, however, that the amount of the compound actually administered will be determined by a physician, in the light of the relevant circumstances, including the condition to be treated, the chosen route of administration, the actual compound administered, the age, weight, and response of the individual patient, the severity of the patient's symptoms, and the like.

[0264] For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal active ingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical excipient to form a solid preformulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of a compound of the present invention. When referring to these preformulation compositions as homogeneous, it is meant that the active ingredient is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition may be readily subdivided into equally effective unit dosage forms such as tablets, pills and capsules. This solid preformulation is then subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type described above containing from, for example, 0.1 to about 500 mg of the active ingredient of the present invention.

[0265] The tablets or pills of the present invention may be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolonged action. For example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer dosage component, the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former. The two components can separated by enteric layer which serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permit the inner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety of materials can be used for such enteric layers or coatings, such materials including a number of polymeric acids and mixtures of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac, cetyl alcohol, and cellulose acetate.

[0266] The liquid forms in which the novel compositions of the present invention may be incorporated for administration orally or by injection include aqueous solutions suitably flavored syrups, aqueous or oil suspensions, and flavored emulsions with edible oils such as cottonseed oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, or peanut oil, as well as elixirs and similar pharmaceutical vehicles.

[0267] Compositions for inhalation or insufflation include solutions and suspensions in pharmaceutically acceptable, aqueous or organic solvents, or mixtures thereof, and powders. The liquid or solid compositions may contain suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as described supra. Preferably the compositions are administered by the oral or nasal respiratory route for local or systemic effect. Compositions in preferably pharmaceutically acceptable solvents may be nebulized by use of inert gases. Nebulized solutions may be breathed directly from the nebulizing device or the nebulizing device may be attached to a face masks tent, or intermittent positive pressure breathing machine. Solution, suspension, or powder compositions may be administered, preferably orally or nasally, from devices which deliver the formulation in an appropriate manner.

[0268] The following formulation examples illustrate the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention.

Formulation Example 1

[0269] Hard gelatin capsules containing the following ingredients are prepared: Quantity Ingredient (mg/capsule) Active Ingredient 30.0 Starch 305.0 Magnesium stearate 5.0

[0270] The above ingredients are mixed and filled into hard gelatinrcapsules in 340 mg quantities.

Formulation Example 2

[0271] A tablet formula is prepared using the ingredients below: Quantity Ingredient (mg/tablet) Active Ingredient 25.0 Cellulose, microcrystalline 200.0 Colloidal silicon dioxide 10.0 Stearic acid 5.0

[0272] The components are blended and compressed to form tablets, each weighing 240 mg.

Formulation Example 3

[0273] A dry powder inhaler formulation is prepared containing the following components: Ingredient Weight % Active Ingredient 5 Lactose 95

[0274] The active ingredient is mixed with the lactose and the mixture is added to a dry powder inhaling appliance.

Formulation Example 4

[0275] Tablets, each containing 30 mg of active ingredient, are prepared as follows: Quantity Ingredient (mg/tablet) Active Ingredient 30.0 mg Starch 45.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose 35.0 mg Polyvinylpyrrolidone (as 10% solution in sterile water) 4.0 mg Sodium carboxymethyl starch 4.5 mg Magnesium stearate 0.5 mg Talc 1.0 mg Total 120 mg

[0276] The active ingredient, starch and cellulose are passed through a No. 20 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. The solution of polyvinyl-pyrrolidone is mixed with the resultant powders, which are then passed through a 16 mesh U.S. sieve. The granules so produced are dried at 50° to 60° C. and passed through a 16 mesh U.S. sieve. The sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and talc, previously passed through a No. 30 mesh U.S. sieve, are then added to the granules which, after mixing, are compressed on a tablet machine to yield tablets each weighing 150 mg.

Formulation Example 5

[0277] Capsules, each containing 40 mg of medicament are made as follows: Quantity Ingredient (mg/capsule) Active Ingredient 40.0 mg Starch 109.0 mg Magnesium stearate 1.0 mg Total 150.0 mg

[0278] The active ingredient, starch, and magnesium stearate are blended, passed through a No. 20 mesh U.S. sieve, and filled into hard gelatin capsules in 150 mg quantities.

Formulation Example 6

[0279] Suppositories, each containing 25 mg of active ingredient are made as follows: Ingredient Amount Active Ingredient 25 mg Saturated fatty acid glycerides to 2,000 mg

[0280] The active ingredient is passed through a No. 60 mesh U.S. sieve and suspended in the saturated fatty acid glycerides previously melted using the minimum heat necessary. The mixture is then poured into a suppository mold of nominal 2.0 g capacity and allowed to cool.

Formulation Example 7

[0281] Suspensions, each containing 50 mg of medicament per 5.0 mL dose are made as follows: Ingredient Amount Active Ingredient 50.0 mg Xanthan gum 4.0 mg Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (11%) 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose (89%) Sucrose 1.75 g Sodium benzoate 10.0 mg Flavor and Color q.v. Purified water to 5.0 mL

[0282] The active ingredient, sucrose and xanthan gum are blended, passed through a No. 10 mesh U.S. sieve, and then mixed with a previously made solution of the microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in water. The sodium benzoate, flavor, and color are diluted with some of the water and added with stirring. Sufficient water is then added to produce the required volume.

Formulation Example 8

[0283] Quantity Ingredient (mg/capsule) Active Ingredient 15.0 mg Starch 407.0 mg Magnesium stearate 3.0 mg Total 425.0 mg

[0284] The active ingredient, starch, and magnesium stearate are blended, passed through a No. 20 mesh U.S. sieve, and filled into hard gelatin capsules in 560 mg quantities.

Formulation Example 9

[0285] A subcutaneous formulation may be prepared as follows: Ingredient Quantity Active Ingredient 1.0 mg corn oil 1 mL

[0286] (Depending on the solubility of the active ingredient in corn oil, up to about 5.0 mg or more of the active ingredient may be employed in this formulation, if desired).

Formulation Example 10

[0287] A topical formulation may be prepared as follows: Ingredient Quantity Active Ingredient 1-10 g Emulsifying Wax 30 g Liquid Paraffin 20 g White Soft Paraffin to 100 g

[0288] The white soft paraffin is heated until molten. The liquid paraffin and emulsifying wax are incorporated and stirred until dissolved. The active ingredient is added and stirring is continued until dispersed. The mixture is then cooled until solid.

[0289] Another preferred formulation employed in the methods of the present invention employs transdermal delivery devices (“patches”). Such transdermal patches may be used to provide continuous or discontinuous infusion of the compounds of the present invention in controlled amounts. The construction and use of transdermal patches for the delivery of pharmaceutical agents is well known in the art. See. e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,252, issued Jun. 11, 1991, herein incorporated by reference. Such patches may be constructed for continuous, pulsatile, or on demand delivery of pharmaceutical agents.

[0290] Frequently, it will be desirable or necessary to introduce the pharmaceutical composition to the brain, either directly or indirectly. Direct techniques usually involve placement of a drug delivery catheter into the host's ventricular system to bypass the blood-brain barrier. One such implantable delivery system used for the transport of biological factors to specific anatomical regions of the body is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,472 which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0291] Indirect techniques, which are generally preferred, usually involve formulating the compositions to provide for drug latentiation by the conversion of hydrophilic drugs into lipid-soluble drugs. Latentiation is generally achieved through blocking of the hydroxy, carbonyl, sulfate, and primary amine groups present on the drug to render the drug more lipid soluble and amenable to transportation across the blood-brain barrier. Alternatively, the delivery of hydrophilic drugs may be enhanced by intra-arterial infusion of hypertonic solutions which can transiently open the blood-brain barrier.

[0292] Other suitable formulations for use in the present invention can be found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mace Publishing Company, Philadelphia, Pa., 17th ed. (1985).

Utility

[0293] The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are useful in inhibiting β-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis, and, accordingly, have utility in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease in mammals including humans.

[0294] As noted above, the compounds described herein are suitable for use in a variety of drug delivery systems described above. Additionally, in order to enhance the in vivo serum half-life of the administered compound, the compounds may be encapsulated, introduced into the lumen of liposomes, prepared as a colloid, or other conventional techniques may be employed which provide an extended serum half-life of the compounds. A variety of methods are available for preparing liposomes, as described in, e.g., Szoka, et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,235,871, 4,501,728 and 4,837,028 each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0295] The amount of compound administered to the patient will vary depending upon what is being administered, the purpose of the administration, such as prophylaxis or therapy, the state of the patient, the manner of administration, and the like. In therapeutic applications, compositions are administered to a patient already suffering from AD in an amount sufficient to at least partially arrest further onset of the symptoms of the disease and its complications. An amount adequate to accomplish this is defined as “therapeutically effective dose.” Amounts effective for this use will depend on the judgment of the attending clinician depending upon factors such as the degree or severity of AD in the patient, the age, weight and general condition of the patient, and the like. Preferably, for use as therapeutics, the compounds described herein are administered at dosages ranging from about 1 to about 500 mg/kg/day.

[0296] In prophylactic applications, compositions are administered to a patient at risk of developing AD (determined for example by genetic screening or familial trait) in an amount sufficient to inhibit the onset of symptoms of the disease. An amount adequate to accomplish this is defined as “prophylactically effective dose.” Amounts effective for this use will depend on the judgment of the attending clinician depending upon factors such as the age, weight and general condition of the patient, and the like. Preferably, for use as prophylactics, the compounds described herein are administered at dosages ranging from about 1 to about 500 mg/kg/day.

[0297] As noted above, the compounds administered to a patient are in the form of pharmaceutical compositions described above. These compositions may be sterilized by conventional sterilization techniques, or may be sterile filtered. The resulting aqueous solutions may be packaged for use as is, or lyophilized, the lyophilized preparation being combined with a sterile aqueous carrier prior to administration. The pH of the compound preparations typically will be between 3 and 11, more preferably from 5 to 9 and most preferably from 7 and 8. It will be understood that use of certain of the foregoing excipients, carriers, or stabilizers will result in the formation of pharmaceutical salts.

[0298] The compounds described herein are also suitable for use in the administration of the compounds to a cell for diagnostic and drug discovery purposes. Specifically, the compounds may be used in the diagnosis of cells releasing and/or synthesizing β-amyloid peptide. In addition the compounds described herein are useful for the measurement and evaluation of the activity of other candidate drugs on the inhibition of the cellular release and/or synthesis of β-amyloid peptide.

[0299] The following synthetic and biological examples are offered to illustrate this invention and are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope of this invention.

EXAMPLES

[0300] In the examples below, the following abbreviations have the following meanings. If an abbreviation is not defined, it has its generally accepted meaning.

[0301] BEMP=2-tert-butylimino-2-diethylamino-1,3-dimethylperhydro-1,3,2-diazaphosphorine

[0302] Boc=t-butoxycarbonyl

[0303] BOP=benzotriazol-1-yloxy-tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate

[0304] bd=broad doublet

[0305] bs=broad singlet

[0306] d=doublet

[0307] dd=doublet of doublets

[0308] DIC=diisopropylcarbodiimide

[0309] DMF=dimethylformamide

[0310] DMAP=dimethylaminopyridine

[0311] DMSO=dimethylsulfoxide

[0312] EDC=ethyl-1-(3-dimethyaminopropyl)carbodiimide

[0313] eq.=equivalents

[0314] EtOAc=ethyl acetate

[0315] g=grams

[0316] HOBT=1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate

[0317] Hunig's base=diisopropylethylamine

[0318] L=liter

[0319] m=multiplet

[0320] M=molar

[0321] max=maximum

[0322] meq=milliequivalent

[0323] mg=milligram

[0324] mL=milliliter

[0325] mm=millimeter

[0326] mmol=millimole

[0327] MOC=methoxyoxycarbonyl

[0328] N=normal

[0329] N/A=not available

[0330] ng=nanogram

[0331] nm=nanometers

[0332] OD=optical density

[0333] PEPC=1-(3-(1 -pyrrolidinyl)propyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide

[0334] PP-HOBT=piperidine-piperidine-1-hydroxybenzotrizole

[0335] psi=pounds per square inch

[0336] φ=phenyl

[0337] q=quartet

[0338] quint.=quintet

[0339] rpm=rotations per minute

[0340] s=singlet

[0341] t=triplet

[0342] TFA=trifluoroacetic acid

[0343] THF=tetrahydrofuran

[0344] tlc=thin layer chromatography

[0345] μL=microliter

[0346] UV=ultra-violet

[0347] In the examples below, all temperatures are in degrees Celsius (unless otherwise indicated). The compounds set forth in the examples below were prepared using the following general procedures as indicated.

[0348] In the following examples and procedures, the term “Aldrich” indicates that the compound or reagent used in the procedure is commercially available from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc., 1001 West Saint Paul Avenue, Milwaukee, Wis. 53233 USA; the term “Fluka” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Fluka Chemical Corp., 980 South 2nd Street, Ronkonkoma N.Y. 11779 USA; the term “Lancaster” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Lancaster Synthesis, Inc., P.O. Box 100 Windham, N.H. 03087 USA; the term “Sigma” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Sigma, P.O. Box 14508, St. Louis Mo. 63178 USA; the term “Chemservice” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Chemservice Inc., Westchester, Pa.; the term “Bachem” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Bachem Biosciences Inc., 3700 Horizon Drive, Renaissance at Gulph Mills, King of Prussia, Pa. 19406 USA; the term “Maybridge” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Maybridge Chemical Co. Trevillett, Tintagel, Cornwall PL34 OHW United Kingdom; and the term “TCI” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from TCI America, 9211 North Harborgate Street, Portland Oreg. 97203; the term “Alfa” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Johnson Matthey Catalog Company, Inc. 30 Bond Street, Ward Hill, Mass. 01835-0747; the term “Novabiochem” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Calbiochem-Novabiochem Corp. 10933 North Torrey Pines Road, P.O. Box 12087, La Jolla Calif. 92039-2087; the term “Oakwood” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Oakwood Products, Inc., 1741 Old Dunbar Rd., West Columbia, S.C. 29169; the term “Advanced Chemtech” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Advanced Chemtech, Louisville, Ky.; the term “Ptaltz & Bauer” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Pfaltz & Bauer, Waterbury, Conn., USA; and the term “Fluorochem” indicates that the compound or reagent is commercially available from Fluorochem Ltd. Wesley St. Old Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 9RY, United Kingdom (for U.S. sales office see Oakwood Products, Inc. above).

[0349] I. Coupling Procedures

[0350] The following coupling procedures may be used to prepare compounds of this invention:

GENERAL PROCEDURE A First EDC Coupling Procedure

[0351] To a 1:1 mixture of the corresponding carboxylic acid and the corresponding amino acid ester or amide in CH₂Cl₂ at 0° C. was added 1.5 equivalents triethylamine, followed by 2.0 equivalents hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate and then 1.25 equivalents of ethyl-3-(3-dimethylamino)propyl carbodiimide HCl. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and then transferred to a separatory funnel. The mixture was washed with water, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃, 1N HCl and saturated aqueous NaCl, and then dried over MgSO₄. The resulting solution was stripped free of solvent on a rotary evaporator to yield the crude product.

GENERAL PROCEDURE B Second EDC Coupling Procedure

[0352] A mixture of the corresponding acid (1 eqv), N-1-hydroxybenzotriazole (1.6 eqv), the corresponding amine (1 eqv), N-methylmorpholine (3 eqv) and dichloromethane (or DMF for insoluble substrates) was cooled in an ice-water bath and stirred until a clear solution was obtained. EDC (1.3 eqv) was then added to the reaction mixture. The cooling bath was then allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 1-2 h and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was then evaporated to dryness under vacuum. To the residue was added 20% aqueous potassium carbonate and the mixture was shaken throughly and then allowed to stand until the oily product solidified (overnight if necessary). The solid product was then collected by filteration, washed thoroughly with 20% aqueous potassium carbonate, water, 10% HCl, and water to give the product, usually in pure state. No racemization was observed.

GENERAL PROCEDURE C Third EDC Coupling Procedure

[0353] The carboxylic acid was dissolved in methylene chloride. The corresponding amino acid ester or amide (1 eq.), N-methylmorpholine (5 eq.) and hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate (1.2 eq.) were added in sequence. A cooling bath was applied to the round bottomed flask until the solution reached 0° C. At that time, 1.2 eq. of 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride was added. The solution was allowed to stir overnight and come to room temperature under nitrogen pressure. The reaction mixture was worked up by washing the organic phase with saturated aqueous sodium carbonate, 0.1M citric acid, and brine before drying with sodium sulfate. The solvents were then removed to yield crude product.

GENERAL PROCEDURE D Fourth EDC Coupling Procedure

[0354] A round bottom flask was charged with the corresponding carboxylic acid (1.0 eq.), hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (1.1 eq.) and the corresponding amine (1.0 eq.) in THF under nitrogen atmosphere. An appropriate amount (1.1 eq for free amines and 2.2 eq. for hydrochloride amine salts) of base, such as Hunig's base was added to the well stirred mixture followed by EDC (1.1 eq.). After stirring from 4 to 17 hours at room temperature the solvent was removed at reduced pressure, the residue taken up in ethyl acetate (or similar solvent) and water, washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, 1 N HCl, brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent removed at reduced pressure to provide the product.

GENERAL PROCEDURE E BOP Coupling Procedure

[0355] To a stirred solution of N-(3,5-difluorophenylacetyl)alanine (2 mmol) in DMF, cooled in an ice-water bath, was added BOP (2.4 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (6 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 50 min. and then a solution of α-amino-γ-lactam (2 mmol) in DMF cooled at 0° C. was added. The cooling bath was allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 1-2 h and the reaction mixture was then stirred overnight. A 20% aqueous potassium carbonate solution (60 mL) was added and this mixture shaken throughly. No solid formed. The mixture was then washed with ethyl acetate (150 mL) and evaporated to dryness under vacuum to give a white solid. Water (50 mL) was then added and this mixture shaken throughly. The precipitate that formed was collected by filtration, then washed thoroughly with water, followed by 1 mL of diethyl ether to give the product (51 mg, 0.16 mmol, 7.8%).

GENERAL PROCEDURE F Coupling of an Acid Chloride with an Amino Acid Ester

[0356] To a stirred solution of (D,L)-alanine isobutyl ester hydrochloride (4.6 mmol) in 5 ml of pyridine was added 4.6 mmol of the acid chloride. Precipitation occurred immediately. The mixture was stirred for 3.5 h, dissolved in 100 mL of diethyl ether, washed with 10% HCl three times, brine once, 20% potassium carbonate once and brine once. The solution was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated to yield the product. Other amino acid esters may also be employed in this procedure.

GENERAL PROCEDURE G Coupling of a Carboxylic Acid with an Amino Acid Ester

[0357] A solution of the carboxylic acid (3.3 mmol) and 1,1′-carbodiimidazole (CDI) in 20 mL THF was stirred for 2 h. (D,L)-alanine isobutyl ester hydrochloride (3.6 mmol) was added, followed by 1.5 mL (10.8 mmol) of triethylamine. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was dissolved in 100 mL of diethyl ether, washed with 10% HCl three times, brine once, 20% potassium carbonate once and brine once. The solution was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated to yield the product. Other amino acid esters may also be employed in this procedure.

GENERAL PROCEDURE H Fifth EDC Coupling Procedure

[0358] In a round bottom flask was added a carboxylic acid (1.1 eq.) in THF, an amine hydrochloride (1.0 eq.), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (1.1 eq.), N,N-diisopropylethylamine (2.1 eq.), followed by 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarboduimide hydrochloride (EDC) (1.1 eq.). The reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 10-20 hours under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc and washed with 0.1 M HCl (1×10 mL), saturated NaHCO₃ (1×10 mL), H₂O (1×10 mL), and brine and dried over MgSO₄. The drying agent was removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel followed by trituration from EtOAc and hexanes.

GENERAL PROCEDURE I Sixth EDC Coupling Procedure

[0359] To a solution or suspension of the amine or amine hydrochloride (1.0 eq.) in THF (0.05-0.1 M) under N₂ at 0° C. was added the carboxylic acid (1.0-1.1 eq.), hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate (1.1-1.15 eq.), Hunig's base (1.1 eq. for free amines and 1.1-2.3 eq. for hydrochloride amine salts), followed by 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (1.1-1.15 eq.). The cooling bath was removed and the mixture allowed to warm to room temperature for 10-24 hours. The solution or mixture was diluted with EtOAc, in a 3-5 volume multiple of the initial THF volume, and washed with 0.1-1.0 M aq. HCl (1 or 2×), dilute NaHCO₃ (1 or 2×), and brine (1×). Then, the organic phase was dried over either MgSO₄ or Na₂SO₄, filtered, concentrated to provide the crude product, which was either further purified or utilized without further purification.

GENERAL PROCEDURE J EEDQ Coupling Procedure

[0360] To a solution of the amine in THF (1.0 eq., 0.05-0.08 M, final molarity) under N₂ at room temperature was added the N-t-Boc protected amino acid (1.1 eq., either as a solid or in THF via cannula), followed by EEDQ (Aldrich, 1.1 eq.). The pale yellow solution was stirred at room temperature for 16-16.5 hours, then diluted with EtOAc (in a 3-5 volume multiple of the initial THF volume), and washed with 1M aq. HCl (2×), dilute aq. NaHCO₃ (2×), and brine (1×). The organic phase was dried over either Na₂SO₄ or MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated.

[0361] II. Carboxylic Acids

[0362] The following procedures may be used to prepare carboxylic acid intermediates useful in the present invention:

GENERAL PROCEDURE II-A Ester Hydrolysis to Free Acid

[0363] Ester hydrolysis to the free acid was conducted by conventional methods. Below are two examples of such conventional de-esterification methods.

[0364] Method A: To a carboxylic ester compound in a 1:1 mixture of CH₃OH/H₂O was added 2.5 equivalents of K₂CO₃. The mixture was heated to 50° C. for 0.5 to 1.5 hours until tic showed complete reaction. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and the methanol was removed on a rotary evaporator. The pH of the remaining aqueous solution was adjusted to ˜2, and ethyl acetate was added to extract the product. The organic phase was then washed with saturated aqueous NaCl and dried over MgSO₄. The solution was stripped free of solvent on a rotary evaporator to yield the product.

[0365] Method B: The amino acid ester was dissolved in dioxane/water (4:1) to which was added LiOH (˜2 eq.) that was dissolved in water such that the total solvent after addition was about 2:1 dioxane:water. The reaction mixture was stirred until reaction completion and the dioxane was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in water and washed with ether. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was acidified to pH 2. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄ and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure after filtration. The residue was purified by conventional methods (e.g., recrystallization).

GENERAL PROCEDURE II-B Acid Chloride Preparation

[0366] 3,5-Difluorophenylacetic acid (30 g, 0.174 mol) (Aldrich) was dissolved in dichloromethane and this solution was cooled to 0° C. DMF (0.5 mL, catalytic) was added followed by the dropwise addition of oxalyl chloride (18 mL, 0.20 mol) over a 5 minute period. The reaction was stirred for 3 h and then rotoevaporated at reduced pressure to give an oil which was placed on a high vacuum pump for 1 h to afford 3,5-difluorophenylacetyl chloride as a thin yellow oil. Other acid chlorides can be prepared in a similar manner.

GENERAL PROCEDURE II-C Schotten-Baumann Procedure

[0367] 3,5-Difluorophenylacetyl chloride (from General Procedure II-B) was added dropwise to a 0° C. solution of L-alanine (Aldrich) (16.7 g, 0.187 mol) in 2 N sodium hydroxide (215 mL, 0.43 mol). The reaction was stirred for 1 h at 0° C. and then overnight at room temperature. The reaction was diluted with water (100 mL), then extracted with ethyl acetate (3×150 mL). The organic layer was then washed with brine (200 mL), dried over MgSO₄, and rotoevaporated at reduced pressure toga residue. Recrystallization of the residue from ethyl acetate/hexanes afforded the desired product (34.5 g, 82% yield). Other acid chlorides may be used in this procedure to provide for intermediates useful in this invention.

GENERAL PROCEDURE II-D Reductive Amination

[0368] To a solution of the arylamine in ethanol in a hydrogenation flask was added 1 equivalent of the 2-oxocarboxylic acid ester (e.g., pyruvate ester), followed by 10% palladium on carbon (25 weight percent based on the arylamine). The reaction was hydrogenated at 20 psi H₂ on a Parr shaker until complete reaction was indicated by tlc (30 minutes to 16 hours). The reaction mixture was then filtered through a pad of Celite 545 (available from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc.) and stripped free of solvent on a rotary evaporator. The crude product residue was then further purified via chromatography.

[0369] The following procedures illustrate the synthesis of carboxylic acid intermediates useful in preparing compounds of this invention:

EXAMPLE A Synthesis of N-(Phenylacetyl)-L-alanine

[0370] Using General Procedure II-C, the title compound was prepared from phenylacetyl chloride (Aldrich) and L-alanine (Aldrich) as a solid having a melting point of 102-104° C.

[0371] NMR data was as follows:

[0372]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=9.14 (br s, 1H), 7.21-7.40 (m, 5H), 6.20 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 4.55 (m, 1H), 3.61 (s, 2H), 1.37 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

[0373]¹³C-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=176.0, 171.8, 134.0, 129.4, 127.5, 48.3, 43.2, 17.9.

EXAMPLE B Synthesis of N-(3,5-Difluorophenylacetyl)-L-alanine

[0374] Using General Procedure II-C, the title compound was prepared from 3,5-difluorophenylacetyl chloride (General Procedure II-B) and L-alanine (Aldrich).

[0375] NMR data was as follows:

[0376]¹H-nmr (CD₃OD): δ=8.32 (br s, 0.3H), 6.71 (m, 2H), 6.60 (m, 1H), 4.74 (br s, 1.7H), 4.16 (m, 1H), 3.36 (s, 2H), 1.19 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 3H).

[0377]¹³C-nmr (CD₃OD): δ=175.9, 172.4, 164.4 (dd, J=13.0, 245.3 Hz), 141.1, 113.1 (dd, J=7.8, 17.1 Hz), 102.9 (t, J=25.7 Hz), 49.5, 42.7, 17.5.

EXAMPLE C Synthesis of N-(Cyclopentylacetyl)-L-phenylglycine

[0378] Step A—Preparation of N-(Cyclopentylacetyl)-L-phenylglycine Methyl Ester

[0379] Following General Procedure A above using cyclopentylacetic acid (Aldrich) and phenylglycine methyl ester hydrochloride (Novabiochem), the title compound was prepared as a solid having a melting point of 83-86° C. The reaction was monitored by tlc on silica gel (Rf=0.28 in 25% ethyl acetate/hexanes) and purification was by recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexanes.

[0380] NMR data was as follows:

[0381]^(H-nmr (CDCl) ₃): δ=7.35 (s, 5H), 6.44 (bd, 1H), 5.6 (d, 1H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.24 (bs, 3H), 1.9-1.4 (m, 6H), 1.2-1.05 (m, 2H).

[0382]¹³C-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=172.3, 171.7, 136.7, 129.0, 128.6, 127.3, 56.2, 52.7, 42.5, 36.9, 32.40, 32.38, 24.8.

[0383] C₁₆H₂₁NO₃ (MW=275.35); mass spectroscopy (M+Na) 298.

[0384] Step B—Preparation of N-(Cyclopentylacetyl)-L-phenylglycine

[0385] Following General Procedure II-A above using N-(cyclopentylacetyl)-L-phenylglycine methyl ester (from Step A), the title compound was prepared as a solid having a melting point of 155-158° C. The reaction was monitored by tlc on silica gel (Rf=0.18 in 10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[0386] NMR data was as follows:

[0387]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=8.60 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (m, 5H0, 5.41 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 2.20 (m, 3H), 1.8−1.1 (m, 8H).

[0388]¹³C-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=172.3, 172.0, 137.5, 128.7, 128.1, 127.8, 56.2, 40.9, 36.8, 31.8, 24.5.

[0389] C₁₅H₁₉NO₃ (MW=261.32); mass spectroscopy (M+Na) 284.

EXAMPLE D Synthesis of N-(Cyclopentylacetyl)-L-alanine

[0390] Step A—Preparation of N-(Cyclopentylacetyl)-L-alanine Methyl Ester

[0391] Following General Procedure A above using cyclopentylacetic acid (Aldrich) and L-alanine methyl ester hydrochloride (Sigma), the title compound was prepared as a solid having a melting point of 43-46° C. Purification was by recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexanes.

[0392] NMR data was as follows:

[0393]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=6.38 (d, ₁H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 2.13 (bs, 3H), 1.80−1.00 (m (includes d at 1.30, 3H), 11H).

[0394]¹³C-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=173.7, 172.5, 52.1, 47.6, 42.3, 36.8, 32.15, 32.14, 18.0.

[0395] C₁₁H₁₉NO₃ (MW=213.28); mass spectroscopy (MH⁺) 214.

[0396] Step B—Preparation of N-(Cyclopentylacetyl)-L-alanine

[0397] Following General Procedure II-A above using N-(cyclopentylacetyl)-L-alanine methyl ester (from Step A), the title compound was prepared. The reaction was monitored by tlc on silica gel (Rf=0.18 in 10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[0398] NMR data was as follows:

[0399]¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ=12.45 (bs, 1H), 8.12 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 4.24 (quint, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 2.14 (m, 3H), 1.8−1.4 (m, 6H), 1.29 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.2−1.0 (m, 3H).

[0400]¹³C-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ=174.6, 171.9, 47.3, 41.1, 36.7, 31.8, 24.5, 17.2.

[0401] C₁₀ H ₁₇NO₃ (MW=199.25); mass spectroscopy (MH⁺) N/A.

EXAMPLE E Synthesis of N-(Cyclopropylacetyl)-L-alanine

[0402] Step A—Preparation of N-(Cyclopropylacetyl)-L-alanine Methyl Ester

[0403] Following General Procedure A above using cyclopropylacetic acid (Aldrich) and L-alanine methyl ester hydrochloride (Sigma), the title compound was prepared as an oil. The reaction was monitored by tic on silica gel (Rf=0.15 in 25% ethyl acetate/hexanes) and purification was by flash column chromatography using 25% ethyl acetate/hexanes as the eluant.

[0404] NMR data was as follows:

[0405]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=6.60 (d, 1H), 4.55 (m, 1H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 2.10 (m, 2H), 1.34 (d,3H), 0.95 (m, 1H), 0.58 (m, 2H), 0.15 (m, 2H).

[0406]¹³C-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=173.7, 172.3, 52.3, 47.7, 41.0, 18.2, 6.7, 4.27, 4.22.

[0407] C₉H₁₅NO₃ (MW=185.22); mass spectroscopy (MH⁺) N/A.

[0408] Step B—Preparation of N-(Cyclopentylacetyl)-L-alanine

[0409] Following General Procedure II-A above using N-(cyclopropylacetyl)-L-alanine methyl ester (from Step A), the title compound was prepared as an oil. The reaction was monitored by tic on silica gel (Rf=0.27 in 10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[0410] NMR data was as follows:

[0411]¹H-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ=8.18 (d, 1H), 4.25 (m, 1H), 2.08 (m, 2H), 1.30 (d, 3H), 1.00 (m, 1H), 0.50 (m, 2H), 0.19 (m, 2H).

[0412]¹³C-nmr (DMSO-d₆): δ=174.6, 171.7, 47.4, 17.3, 7.6, 4.12, 4.06.

[0413] C₈H₁₃NO₃ (MW=199.25); mass spectroscopy (MH⁺) N/A.

EXAMPLE F Synthesis of N-(Cyclopropylacetyl)-L-phenylglycine

[0414] Step A—Preparation of N-(Cyclopropylacetyl)-L-glycine Methyl Ester

[0415] Following General Procedure A above using cyclopropylacetic acid (Aldrich) and L-phenylglycine methyl ester, the title compound was prepared as a solid having a melting point of 74-76° C. The reaction was monitored by tlc on silica gel (Rf=0.61 in 50% ethyl acetate/hexanes) and purification was by recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexanes.

[0416] NMR data was as follows:

[0417]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=7.35 (m, 5H), 6.97 (bd, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 5.59 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 2.17 (m, 2H), 1.05−0.95 (m, 1H), 0.62 (m, 2H), 0.20 (m, 2H).

[0418]¹³C-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=171.9, 174.6, 136.6,129.0, 128.5, 127.2, 56.1, 52.7, 41.0, 6.9, 4.37, 4.33.

[0419] C₁₄H₁₇NO₃ (MW=247.30); mass spectroscopy (MH⁺) N/A.

[0420] Step B—Preparation of N-(Cyclopentylacetyl)-L-phenylglycine

[0421] Following General Procedure II-A above using N-(cyclopropylacetyl)-L-phenylglycine methyl ester (from Step A), the title compound was prepared as a solid having melting point of 152-157° C. The reaction was monitored by tlc on silica gel (Rf=0.23 in 10% methanol/dichloromethane) and purification was by recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexanes.

[0422] NMR data was as follows:

[0423]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=8.47 (d, J=7.69 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (m, 5H), 5.34 (d, J=7.69 Hz, 1H), 2.10 (m, 2H), 0.90 (m, 1H), 0.40 (m, 2H), 0.10 (m, 2H).

[0424]¹³C-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=172.3, 171.8, 137.6, 128.7, 56.2, 7.7, 4.0.

[0425] C₁₃H₁₅NO₃ (MW=233.27); mass spectroscopy (MH⁺) N/A.

EXAMPLE H Synthesis of N-(2-Biphenyl)-D,L-alanine

[0426] 2-Aminobiphenyl (2 g, 11.8 mmol, Aldrich), triethylamine (1.2 eq.) and ethyl 2-bromopropionate (1.1 eq., Aldrich) were combined and heated to 85° C. with stirring. After 7 days, the mixture was diluted with chloroform and washed with water. The organic portion was dried and concentrated to yield an oil which was purified by silica gel chromatography (1:1 CH₂Cl₂/hexanes). The resulting oil was dissolved in a 1:2 mixture of water/dioxane (200 mL) and LiOH (2 eq.) was added. After 2 hours, the mixture was concentrated to yield an oil which was dissolved in water. The aqueous solution was washed with ether then was adjusted to pH 3 with 5N HCl and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic portion was dried and concentrated to yield an oil which was purified by silica gel chromatography (EtOAc) to yield the title compound.

EXAMPLE I Synthesis of N-(Phenyl-furazan-3-yl)-D,L-alanine

[0427] Following General Procedure II-D and using 4-phenyl-furazan-3-ylamine (Maybridge) and ethyl pyruvate (Aldrich), the ethyl ester was prepared. Following General Procedure II-A, Method B (LiOH/H₂O/dioxane) and using the ethyl ester, the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE L Synthesis of S-(+)-3,5-Difluoromandelic Acid

[0428] Step A—Preparation of Methyl S-(±)-3,5-difluoromandelate

[0429] To a solution of 3,5-difluorobenzaldehyde (Aldrich) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was added ZnCl₂ (6.7 g, 21.1 mmol) to form a slurry. Trimethysilyl cyanide (21.0 g, 211.2 mmol) dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was slowly added to the slurry at 0° C. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The reaction mixture was then diluted with water and the organic layer separated. The combined organic layers were concentrated to a residue. The residue was dissolved with MeOH (200 mL) at 0° C. and anhydrous HCl gas bubbled into the solution for 10 min. After stirring at room temperature for 18 h, the solution was concentrated to a solid. The solid was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ / H₂O and the aqueous portion extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organics were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous MgSO₄ and concentrated to a solid (37.4 g, 87.6%), mp=77-78° C.

[0430]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=6.97 (dd, J=9.6 Hz, J=1.79 Hz, 2H), 6.74 (dt, J=8.82, J=2.28 Hz, 1H), 5.14 (d, J=4.64 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.53 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H).

[0431] Step B—Preparation of Methyl S-(+)-3,5-difluoromandelate Methyl (±)-3,5-difluoromandelate was separated via preparative chiral HPLC to give a white solid having a melting point of 70-71° C.

[0432] C₉H₈F₂O₃ (MW=202.17); mass spectroscopy found (M+NH₄ ⁺) 220.0.

[0433] Anal. calcd for C₉H₈F₂O₃: C, 53.47; H, 3.99. Found: C, 53.40; H, 3.89.

[0434] Step C—Preparation of S-(+)-3,5-Difluoromandelic acid

[0435] A solution of methyl S-(+)-3,5-difluoromandelate (1 eq.) in 74% aqueous THF was cooled to 0° C. and treated with lithium hydroxide. After 40 minutes at 0° C. the reaction was complete by TLC. The contents were transferred to a separatory funnel and partitioned between CH₂Cl₂ and saturated aqueous NaHCO₃. The aqueous layer was acidified with 0.5 N NaHSO₄ and extracted thrice with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to a white solid having a melting point of 119-122° C. The ¹H NMR was consistent with known 3,5-difluoromandelic acid.

EXAMPLE N Synthesis of (R)—N,N′-Di-BOC-2-Hydrazinopropionic Acid

[0436] Step A: To (S)-(−)-4-benzyl-2-oxazolidanone (Aldrich) in THF cooled to −50° C. was added n-butyl lithium 1.1 eq. (1.6 M in hexane) dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to −20° C. and then was re-cooled to −78° C. and propionyl chloride (1.1 eq) was added in one portion. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir an additional 15 min. at −78° C. and then was allowed to warm to room temperature. The reaction was then quenched with a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were washed with water, followed by brine and then dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to give (S)-(−)-3-propionyl-4-benzyl-2-oxazolidanone.

[0437] Step B: To a solution of (S)-(−)-3-propionyl-4-benzyl-2-oxazolidanone in THF at −78° C. was added LiHMDS (1.05 eq.) (Aldrich) dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at −78° C. for 30 min. and then a precooled solution of di-tert-butyl-azodicarboxylate (Aldrich) was added via a cannula. After 5 min. 2.6 eq. of acetic acid was added. The reaction mixture was then extracted with dichloromethane and the organic layer was washed with 1M potassium phosphate. The organic layer was then dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to give (S)-(−)-3-[(R)-N,N′-di-BOC-2-hydrazinopropionyl]-4-benzyl-2-oxazolidanone.

[0438] Step C: To the product from Step B (1.0 g, 2.16 mM) in THF (34 mL) and water (13 mL), cooled to 0° C., was added a 30% solution of H₂O₂ (0.734 mL, 6.4 mM) and LiOH (57 mg, 2.37 mM). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1.5 h and then quenched with 1.5 N Na₂SO₃ (15 mL). A saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate (48 mL) was added and the mixture was partioned between dichloromethane and water. The aqueous layer was acidified with 10% citric acid and extracted into dichloromethane. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the title compound (390 mg, 60%) as a colorless glass which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE O Synthesis of 3,5-Difluorophenyl-α-oxoacetic Acid

[0439] Step A: Ethyl 3,5-difluorophenyl-α-oxoacetate was prepared from 1-bromo-3,5-difluorobenzene (Aldrich) according to the procedure described in J. Org. Chem., 45 (14), 2883-2887 (1980).

[0440] Step B: Ethyl 3,5-difluorophenyl-α-oxoacetate was hydrolyzed using General Procedure II-A (Method B) to afford 3,5-difluorophenyl-α-oxoacetic acid.

EXAMPLE P Synthesis of Cyclopentyl-α-hydroxyacetic Acid

[0441] The title compound (CAS No. 6053-71-0) was prepared in two steps from cyclopentylmethanal (CAS No. 872-53-7, Wiley) using the procedure described by Gibby, W. A.; Gubler, C. J. Biochemical Medicine 1982, 27, 15-25.

EXAMPLE Q Synthesis of N-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)alanine

[0442] Using the procedure set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,598,859, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)alanine was prepared. Specifically, to a solution of 3,4-dichloroaniline (1 equivalent) (Aldrich) in isopropanol (about 500 mL per mole of 3,4-dichloroaniline) is added water (about 0.06 mL per mL of isopropanol) and 2-chloropropionic acid (2 equivalents) (Aldrich). This mixture is warmed to 40° C. and sodium bicarbonate (0.25 equivalents) is added in successive portions before heating under reflux for 4-5 days. After cooling, the reaction mixture is poured into water and the unreacted 3,4-dichloroaniline is removed by filtration. The filtrate is acidified to pH 3-4 with concentrated hydrochloric acid and the resultant precipitate is filtered, washed and dried to yield the title compound, m.p.=148-149° C.

EXAMPLE R Synthesis of N-(3,5-Difluorophenyl)alanine

[0443] Using the procedure set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,598,859 and Example Q above, N-(3,5-difluorophenyl)alanine was prepared using 3,5-difluoroaniline (Aldrich) and 2-chloropropionic acid (Aldrich).

EXAMPLE S Synthesis of α-Fluoro-3,5-difluorophenylacetic Acid

[0444] Step A—Synthesis of Methyl 3,5-Difluoromandelate

[0445] To a solution of 3,5-difluoromandelic acid (Fluorochem) in methanol was bubbled HCl gas for 10 minutes. The reaction was refluxed overnight. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo and the residue was taken up in ethyl acetate and washed with saturated NaHCO₃ and brine. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to give the title intermediate as a white solid.

[0446] C₉H₈F₂O₃ (MW=202.17); mass spectroscopy 202.

[0447]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=7.00 (2H, d, J=6.58 Hz), 6.76 (1H, t, J=8.86 Hz), 5.16 (1H, d, J=5.29 Hz), 3.81 (3H, s), 3.54 (1H, d, J=5.39 Hz).

[0448] Step B—Synthesis of Methyl α-Fluoro-3,5-difluorophenylacetate

[0449] A solution of diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (DAST) (1.1 eq) in methylene chloride was cooled to 0° C. and a pre-cooled solution of methyl 3,5-difluoromandelate (1 eq) in methylene chloride was added. The transfer flask was rinsed with a small portion of methylene chloride. After 15 minutes, the cooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred an additional 40 minutes at ambient temperature. The mixture was poured over ice and the layers separated. The organic phase was washed with saturated NaHCO₃ and brine. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via HPLC eluting with 7% ethyl acetate/hexanes providing the title intermediate as a yellow oil.

[0450] C₉H₇F₃O₂ (MW=204.16); mass spectroscopy 204.

[0451] Anal. calcd for C₉H₇F₃O₂: C, 52.95; H, 3.46. Found: C, 52.80; H, 3.73.

[0452] Step C—Synthesis of α-Fluoro-3,5-difluorophenylacetic Acid

[0453] Following General Procedure II-A, Method B and using methyl α-fluoro-3,5-difluorophenylacetate, the title intermediate was prepared as a white solid having a melting point of 100-102° C.

[0454] C₈H₅F₃O₂ (MW=190.13); mass spectroscopy 190.

[0455] Anal. calcd for C₈H₅F₃O₂: C, 50.54; H, 2.65. Found: C, 50.47; H, 2.79.

[0456] Additionally, various other amino acid derivatives suitable for use in this invention are disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 98/22430 and WO 98/22493, both published on May 28, 1998, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0457] III. Cyclic Compounds

[0458] The following procedures illustrate the synthesis of various cyclic compound intermediates useful for preparing compounds of this invention:

[0459] A. Benzazepinone Derivatives and Related Compounds

GENERAL PROCEDURE 6-A Alkylation of 1-Amino-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-3 -benzazepin-2-one

[0460] Step A: 1-Ethoxycarbonylamino-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-3-benzazepin-2-one was prepared according to the procedure of Ben-Ishai et al., Tetrahedron, 1987, 43, 430.

[0461] Step B: 1-Ethoxycarbonylamino-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-3-benzazepin-2-one (2.0 g, 100 M %) was dissolved in DMF (30 mL) and NaH (95%, 0.17 g, 100M %) was added in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour and then the appropriate alkyl iodide (300M %) was added and the mixture was stirred for 12 hours. The reaction was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×). The ethyl acetate extracts were then washed with water (3×) and brine (1×). Treatment with MgSO₄, rotoevaporation, and chromotography (30% EtOAc/hexanes) yielded 1-ethoxycarbonylamino-3-alkyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-3-benzazepin-2-one in 87% yield.

[0462] Step C: 1-Ethoxycarbonylamino-3-alkyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-3-benzazepin-2-one (1.0 g, 100M %) was suspended in 30 mL of 30% HBr/HOAc and heated to 100° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 5 hours at this temperature and then the reaction was cooled and rotoevaporated to yield 1-amino-3-alkyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-3-benzazepin-2-one as the hydrobromide salt (100% yield).

GENERAL PROCEDURE 6-B Alkylation of 3-Amino-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one

[0463] Step A: 3-Amino-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one was prepared from α-tetralone using the methods described in Armstrong et al. Tetrahedron Letters, 1994, 35, 3239. The following compounds were as prepared by this procedure for use in the following steps:

[0464] 5-methyl-3-amino-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one (from 4-methyl-α-tetralone (Aldrich)); and

[0465] 5,5-dimethyl-3-amino-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one (from 4,4-dimethyul-α-tetralone (Aldrich)).

[0466] Step B: 3-Amino-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one (4.43 g, 100M %) was suspended in t-butanol (30 mL) and BOC-anhydride (7.5 mL, 130M %) was added dropwise. The reaction was stirred for 2 hours and then it was rotoevaporated to a residue which was chromatographed with 60% ethyl acetate/hexanes to yield BOC-protected 3-amino-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one in 87% yield.

[0467] Step C: BOC-protected 3-amino-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one (1.5 g, 100M %) was dissolved in DMF (20 mL) and NaH (95%, 0.13 g, 100M %) was added in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour and then the appropriate alkyl iodide (300M %) was added and stirring was continued for 12 hours. The reaction was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×). The ethyl acetate extracts were washed with water (3×) and then brine (1×). Treatment with MgSO₄, rotoevaporation, and chromatography (30% EtOAc/hexanes) yielded a BOC-protected 3-amino-1-alkyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one in 80% yield.

[0468] Step D: The BOC-protected 3-amino-1-alkyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one (1.0 g, 100M %) was suspended in 30 mL of 1:1 CH₂Cl₂/triflouroacetic acid and the mixture was stirred for 4 hours. The reaction was then rotoevaporated to yield the 3-amino-1-alkyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one (100% yield).

EXAMPLE 6-A Synthesis of 3-Amino-1,5-dimethyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one

[0469] Step A: 3-Amino-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one was prepared from 4-methyl-α-tetralone using the methods described in Armstrong et al. Tetrahedron Letters, 1994, 35, 3239.

[0470] Step B: 3-Amino-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one (9.3 g 100M %) was dissolved in dioxane (300 mL) and the solution was chilled to 0° C. BOC-anhydride (13.89 g 130M %) was added and the ice bath was removed allowing the solution to come to room temperature and stirring was continued for 16 hours. The solution was rotory evaporated to remove dioxane to provide an off white solid. This solid was recrystallized from CHCl₃ to yield BOC-protected 3-amino-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one in 55% yield.

[0471] Step C: BOC-protected 3-amino-5-methyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one (100 M %) was dissolved in DMF (20 mL) and NaH (95%, 100 M %) was added in one portion and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour. Methyl iodide (300 M %) was added and this mixture was stirred for 12 hours. The reaction was then poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×) then backwashed with water (3×) and then brine (1×). Treatment with MgSO₄, rotoevaporation, and chromatography (5 % MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) yielded BOC-protected 3-amino-1,5-dimethyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one in 75% yield.

[0472] Step D: BOC-protected 3-amino-1,5-dimethyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one (100 M %) was suspended in 30 mL of 1:1 CH₂Cl₂/triflouroacetic acid. The reaction mixture was stirred for 4 hours. The reaction was then rotoevaporated to yield 3-amino-1,5-dimethyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one (100% yield).

EXAMPLE 6-B Synthesis of 5-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-3,3,7-trimethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-benz[b]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0473] Following the procedure of Example 7-I and using 5-amino-3,3,7-trimethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-benz[b]azepin-6-one hydrochloride (Example 6-C), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 6-C Synthesis of 5-Amino-3,3,7-trimethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-benz[b]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0474] Step A: Following General Procedure 5-A and using N-t-Boc-5-amino-3,3-dimethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-benz[b]azepin-6-one (General Procedure 6-B, following by Boc protection) and methyl iodide, N-t-Boc-5-amino-3,3,7-trimethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-benz[b]azepin-6-one was prepared.

[0475] Step B: Following General Procedure 8-N and using N-t-Boc-5-amino-3,3,7-trimethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-benz[b]azepin-6-one, the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 6-D Synthesis of 3-(S)-Amino-1-methyl-5-oxa-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one

[0476] Step A: 3-(S)-Amino-5-oxa-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one was prepared from N-Boc-serine (Bachem) and 2-fluoro-1-nitrobenzene (Aldrich) using the method of R. J. DeVita et al., Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Lett. 1995, 5(12) 1281-1286.

[0477] Step B: Following General Procedure 5-A and using the product from Step A, the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 6-E Synthesis of 3-(S)-Amino-1-ethyl-5-oxa-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one

[0478] Step A: 3-(S)-Amino-5-oxa-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one was prepared from N-Boc-serine (Bachem) and 2-fluoro-1-nitrobenzene (Aldrich) using the method of R. J. DeVita et al., Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Lett. 1995, 5(12) 1281-1286.

[0479] Step B: Following General Procedure 5-A and using the product from Step A, the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 6-F Synthesis of 3-(S)-Amino-1-methyl-5-thia-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1-benzazepin-2-one

[0480] The title compound was prepared from N-Boc-cystine (Novabio) and 2-fluoro-1-nitrobenzene (Aldrich) using the method of R. J. DeVita et al., Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Lett. 1995, 5(12) 1281-1286, followed by General Procedure 5-A.

EXAMPLE 6-G Synthesis of 7-Amino-1,3,4,7,12,12a-hexahydropyrido[2,1-b][3]-benzazepin-6(2H)-one

[0481] Step A—Synthesis of N-Chloroacetyl-2-benzylpiperidine

[0482] Following General Procedure F and using 2-benzylpyridine, the title compound was prepared.

[0483] Physical data were as follows:

[0484] (MW=251.8); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 252.0.

[0485] Step B—Synthesis of 1,3,4,7,12,12a-hexahydropyrido[2,1-b][3]benzazepin-6(2H)-one

[0486] Following General Procedure G and using N-chloroacetyl-2-benzylpiperidine, the title compound was prepared.

[0487] Physical data were as follows:

[0488]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=1.3-1.9 (6H); 2.42 (t, 1H); 3.08 (m, 2H); 3.47 (m, 1H); 3.96 (q, 2H); 4.66 (d, 1H); 7.2 (m, 4H).

[0489] (MW=215.3); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 216.1.

[0490] Step C—Synthesis of 7-Oximo-1,3,4,7,12,12a-hexahydropyrido[2,1-b][3]benzazepin-6(2H)-one

[0491] Following General Procedure A (Step B) and using 1,3,4,7,12,12a-hexahydropyrido[2,1-b][3]benzazepin-6(2H)-one (from Step B), the title compound was prepared.

[0492] Physical data were as follows:

[0493] (MW=244.3); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 245.0.

[0494] Step D—Synthesis of 7-Amino-1,3,4,7,12,12a-hexahydropyrido[2,1-b][3]benzazepin-6(2H)-one

[0495] Following General Procedure A (Step C) and using 7-oximo-1,3,4,7,12,12a-hexahydropyrido[2,1-b][3]benzazepin-6(2H)-one (from Step C), the title compound was prepared.

[0496] Physical data were as follows:

[0497]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=1.3-1.9 (6H); 2.42 (t, 1H); 3.08 (m, 2H); 3.47 (m, 1H); 3.96 (q,2H); 4.66 (d, 1H); 7.2 (m,4H).

[0498] (MW=230.3); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 231.1.

EXAMPLE 6-H Synthesis of 1-(N′-L-Alaninyl)amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,7-methano-3H-3-benzazonin-2(1H)-one

[0499] Step A—Synthesis of N-Chloroacetyl-3-phenylpiperidine

[0500] Following General Procedure F and using 3-phenylpyridine hydrochloride (Aldrich), the title compound was prepared.

[0501] Step B—Synthesis of 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-3,7-methano-3H-3-benzazonin-2(1H)-one

[0502] Following General Procedure G and using N-chloroacetyl-3-phenylpiperidine, the title compound was prepared.

[0503] Physical data were as follows:

[0504]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): d=1.32-1.57 (2H); 2.08 (m, 2H); 2.81 (t, 1H); 3.13 (bs, 1H); 3.37 (m, 2H); 4.36 (m, 2H); 4.50 (d, 1H).

[0505] (MW=201.3); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 202.1.

[0506] Step C—Synthesis of 1-Oximo-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,7-methano-3H-3-benzazonin-2(1H)-one

[0507] Following General Procedure A (Step B) and using the product from Step B, the title compound was prepared.

[0508] Step D—Synthesis of 1-Amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,7-methano-3H-3-benzazonin-2(1H)-one

[0509] Following General Procedure A (Step C) and using the product from Step C′, the title compound was prepared.

[0510] Physical data were as follows:

[0511]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=2.86 (t, 1H); 3.17 (bs, 1H); 3.39 (dd, 1H); 4.40 (d, 1H); 4.50 (d, 1H); 5.39 (s, 1H).

[0512] (MW=216.3); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 217.4.

[0513] Step E—Synthesis of 1-(N′-Boc-L-Alaninyl)amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,7-methano-3H-3-benzazonin-2(1H)-one

[0514] Following General Procedure D and using N-tert-Boc-L-alanine (Aldrich) and the product from Step D, the title compound was prepared.

[0515] Physical data were as follows:

[0516] (MW=387.48); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 388.1.

[0517] Step F—Synthesis of 1-(N′-L-Alaninyl)amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,7-methano-3H-3-benzazonin-2(1H)-one

[0518] Following General Procedure E and using the product from Step E, the title compound was prepared.

[0519] Physical data were as follows:

[0520]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=2.85 (t, 1H); 3.16 (bs, 1H); 3.40 (dd, 1H); 3.67 (m, 1H); 4.35 (d, 1H); 4.56 (d, 1H); 6.40 (d, 1H).

[0521] (MW=287.4); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 288.1.

[0522] B. Dibenzazepinone Derivatives and Related Compounds

GENERAL PROCEDURE 7-A Preparation of 5-Amino-7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Derivatives

[0523] Step A: Following General Procedure 5-A and using 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one and an alkyl halide, the 7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one was prepared.

[0524] Step B: The 7-alkyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (1 eq.) was dissolved in THF and isoamylnitrite (1.2 eq.) was added. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. in an ice bath. NaHMDS (1.1 eq., 1M in THF) was added dropwise. After stirring for 1 hour or until the reaction was complete, the mixture was concentrated then acidified with 1N HCl and extracted with EtOAc. The organic portion was dried and concentrated to yield a crude product which was purified by silica gel chromatography.

[0525] Step C: The resulting oxime was dissolved in EtOH/NH₃ (20:1) and hydrogenated in a bomb using Raney nickel and hydrogen (500 psi) at 100° C. for 10 hours. The resulting mixture was filtered and concentrated to provide an oil which was purified by silica gel chromatography to yield the title compound.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 7-B Preparation of Fluoro-substituted 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Derivatives

[0526] A modification of the procedure of Robin D. Clark and Jahangir, Tetrahedron, Vol. 49, No. 7, pp. 1351-1356, 1993¹⁵ was used. Specifically, an appropriately substituted N-t-Boc-2-amino-2′-methylbiphenyl was dissolved in THF and cooled to −78° C. s-Butyl lithium (1.3M in cyclohexane, 2.2 eq.) was added slowly so that the temperature remained below −65° C. The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to −25° C. and was stirred at that temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was cooled to −78° C. Dry CO₂ was bubbled through the mixture for 30 seconds. The mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature then was carefully quenched with water. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure then was adjusted to pH 3 with 1N HCl. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc and the organic portion was dried and concentrated to yield a crude material. The crude material was dissolved in methanol and the solution was saturated with HCl. The mixture was heated at reflux for 12 hours then was allowed to cool. The mixture was concentrated to provide crude lactam which was purified by chromatography or crystallization.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 7-C Resolution of 5-Amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0527] In a round bottom flask was added the racemic freebase amine (1.0 eq.) in methanol followed by di-p-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid monohydrate (1.0 eq.). The mixture was concentrated in vacuo to a residue and redissolved in a moderate volume of methanol and allowed to stir at room temperature open to the atmosphere (8-72 hours). The solid was removed by filtration. The enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel ODR) using 15% acetonitrile and 85% H₂O with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min at 35° C. The resolved di-p-toluoyl-D-tartaric salt was then dissolved in EtOAc and saturated NaHCO₃ until pH 9-10 was reached. The layers were separated and the organic layer was washed again with saturated NaHCO₃, H₂O, and brine. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and the drying agent was removed by filtration. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The free amine was dissolved in MeOH and HCl (12M, 1.0 eq.) was added. The salt was concentrated in vacuo and the resulting film was triturated with EtOAc. The HCl salt was filtered and rinsed with EtOAc. The ee was determined by chiral HPLC.

EXAMPLE 7-A Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0528] Step A—Synthesis of 7-Methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0529] A round bottom flask was charged with sodium hydride (0.295 g, 7.46 mmol) in 9.0 ml of DMF and treated with 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (1.3 g, 6.22 mmol) (CAS # 20011-90-9, prepared as described in Brown, et. al., Tetrahedron Letters, No. 8, 667-670, (1971) and references cited therein). After stirring at 60° C. for 1 h, the solution was treated with methyl iodide (1.16 ml, 18.6 mmol) and stirring continued for 17 h with the exclusion of light. After cooling, the reaction was diluted with CH₂Cl₂/H₂O, washed with NaHSO₄ solution, H₂O, and dried over Na₂SO₄. Evaporation and flash chromatography (SiO₂, CHCl₃) gave 0.885 g (63%) of the title compound as a colorless solid.

[0530] NMR data was as follows:

[0531]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=7.62 (d, 2H), 7.26-7.47 (m, 6H), 3.51 (m, 2H), 3.32 (s, 3H).

[0532] C₁₅H₁₃NO (MW=223.27); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 223.

[0533] Anal. Calcd for C₁₅H₁₃NO; C, 80.69 H, 5.87 N, 6.27. Found: C, 80.11 H, 5.95 N, 6.23.

[0534] Step B—Synthesis of 7-Methyl-5-oximo-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0535] The compound isolated above (0.700 g, 3.14 mmol) was dissolved in 20 ml of toluene and treated with butyl nitrite (0.733 ml, 6.28 mmol). The reaction temperature was lowered to 0° C. and the solution was treated with KHMDS (9.42 ml, 0.5 M) under N₂ atmosphere. After stirring for 1 h the reaction was quenched with a saturated solution of NaHSO₄, diluted with CH₂Cl₂ and separated. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and the title compound purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 98:2 CHCl₃/MeOH) giving 0.59 g (80%) as a colorless solid.

[0536] C₁₅H₁₂N₂O₂ (MW=252.275); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 252.

[0537] Anal. Calcd for C₁₅H₁₂N₂O₂; C, 71.42 H, 4.79 N, 11.10. Found: C, 71.24 H, 4.69 N, 10.87.

[0538] Step C—Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-Methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0539] The oxime isolated above (0.99 g, 3.92 mmol) was hydrogenated in a Parr apparatus at 35 psi over 10% Pd/C (0.46 g) in 3A ethanol. After 32 h the reaction mixture was filtered through a plug of celite, the filtrate evaporated to a foam and treated with a saturated solution of HCl (g) in Et₂O. The resulting colorless solid was filtered, rinsed with cold Et₂O and vacuum dried to give 0.66 g (61%) of the title compound.

[0540] NMR data was as follows:

[0541]¹H-nmr (DMSOd6): δ=9.11 (bs, 3H), 7.78−7.41(m, 8H), 4.83 (s, 1H), 3.25 (s, 3H).

[0542] C₁₅H₁₄N₂O HCl (MW=274.753); mass spectroscopy (MH+free base) 238.

[0543] Anal. Calcd for C₁₅H₁₄N₂O HCl; C, 65.57 H, 5.50 N, 10.19 Found: C, 65.27 H, 5.67 N, 10.13.

EXAMPLE 7-B Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-5-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0544] Step A—Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-5-(N-Boc-L-Alaninyl)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0545] Boc-L-Alanine (0.429 g, 2.26 mmol) (Aldrich) was dissolved in THF and treated with HOBt hydrate (0.305 g, 2.26 mmol), and 5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (0.45 g, 1.89 mmol) (Example 7-A). The temperature was lowered to 0° C. and the reaction mixture treated with EDC (0.449 g, 2.26 mmol) (Alrich) and stirred 17 hours under N₂. The reaction mixture was evaporated, the residue diluted with EtOAc/H₂O, washed 1.0 N HCl, sat. NaHCO₃, brine and dried over Na₂SO4. The diastereomers were separated on a Chiralcel OD column using 10% IPA/heptane at 1.5 ml/minute.

[0546] Isomer 1: Retention time 3.37 minutes.

[0547] NMR data was as follows:

[0548]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=7.62−7.33 (m, 9H), 5.26 (d, 1H), 5.08 (m, 1H), 4.34 (m, 1H), 3.35 (s, 3H), 1.49 (s, 9H), 1.40 (d, 3H).

[0549] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=−96@589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

[0550] C₂₃H₂₇N₃O₄ (MW=409.489); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 409.

[0551] Anal. Calcd for C₂₃H₂₇N₃O₄; C, 67.46 H, 6.64 N, 10.26. Found: C, 68.42 H, 7.02 N, 9.81.

[0552] Isomer 2: Retention time 6.08 minutes.

[0553] NMR data was as follows:

[0554]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=7.74 (bd, 1H), 7.62−7.32 (m, 8H), 5.28 (d, 1H), 4.99 (m, 1H), 4.36 (m, 1H), 3.35 (s, 3H), 1.49 (s, 9H), 1.46 (d, 3H).

[0555] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=69@589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

[0556] C₂₃H₂₇N₃O₄ (MW=409.489); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 409.

[0557] Anal. Calcd for C₂₃H₂₇N₃O₄; C, 67.46 H, 6.64 N, 10.26. Found: C, 67.40 H, 6.62 N, 10.02

[0558] Step B—Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-5-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0559] The compounds isolated in Part A (each isomer separately) were dissolved in dioxane and treated with excess HCl (g). After stirring for 17 hours, the title compounds were isolated as colorless solids after evaporation and vacuum drying.

[0560] Isomer 1:

[0561] C₁₈H₁₉N₃O₂.HCl (MW=345.832); mass spectroscopy (MH+free base) 309.

[0562] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=−55@589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

[0563] Isomer 2:

[0564] C₁₈H₁₉N₃O₂.HCl (MW=345.832); mass spectroscopy (MH+free base) 309.

[0565] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=80@589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

EXAMPLE 7-C Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-5-(L-Valinyl)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0566] Step A—Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-5-(N-Boc-L-Valinyl)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0567] Boc-L-Valine (0.656 g, 3.02 mmol) (Aldrich) was dissolved in THF and treated with HOBt hydrate (0.408, 3.02 mmol), Dipea (1.05 ml, 6.05 mmol) and 5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one hydrochloride (0.75 g, 2.75 mmol)(Example 7-A). The temperature was lowered to 0° C. and the reaction mixture treated with EDC (0.601 g, 3.02 mmol)(Alrich) and stirred 17 hours under N₂. The reaction mixture was evaporated, the residue diluted with EtOAc/H₂O, washed 1.0 N HCl, sat. NaHCO₃, brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The diastereomers were separated on a Chiralcel OD column using 10% IPA/heptane at 1.5 ml/minute.

[0568] Isomer 1: Retention time 3.23 minutes.

[0569] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=−120@589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

[0570] C₂₅H₃₁N₃O₄ (MW=437.544); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 438

[0571] Isomer 2: Retention time 6.64 minutes.

[0572] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=50@589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

[0573] C₂₅H₃₁N₃O₄ (MW=437.544); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 438

[0574] Step B—Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-5-(L-Valinyl)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0575] The compounds isolated in Part A (each isomer separately) were dissolved in dioxane and treated with excess HCl (g). After stirring for 17 hours, the title compounds were isolated as colorless solids after evaporation and vacuum drying.

[0576] Isomer 1:

[0577] C₂₀H₂₃N₃O₂.HCl (MW=373.88); mass spectroscopy (MH+free base) 338.

[0578] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=−38@589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

[0579] Isomer 2:

[0580] C₂₀H₂₃N₃O₂.HCl (MW=373.88); mass spectroscopy (MH+free base) 338.

[0581] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=97@589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

EXAMPLE 7-D Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-5-(L-tert-Leucine)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0582] Step A—Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-5-(N-Boc-L-tert-Leucinyl)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0583] Boc-L-tert-Leucine (0.698 g, 3.02 mmol) (Fluka) was dissolved in THF and treated with HOBt hydrate (0.408, 3.02 mmol), Dipea (1.05 ml, 6.05 mmol) and 5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one hydrochloride (0.75 g, 2.75 mmol)(Example 7-A). The temperature was lowered to 0° C. and the reaction mixture treated with EDC (0.601 g, 3.02 mmol) (Alrich) and stirred 17 hours under N₂. The reaction mixture was evaporated, the residue diluted with EtOAc/H₂O, washed 1.0 N HCl, sat. NaHCO₃, brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The diastereomers were separated on a Chiralcel OD column using 10% IPA/heptane at 1.5 ml/minute.

[0584] Isomer 1: Retention time 3.28 minutes.

[0585] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=−128@ 589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

[0586] C₂₆H₃₃N₃O₄ (MW=451.571); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 452

[0587] Isomer 2: Retention time 5.52 minutes.

[0588] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=26@ 589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

[0589] C₂₆H₃₃N₃O₄ (MW=451.571); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 452

[0590] Step B—Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-5-(L-tert-Leucinyl)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0591] The compounds isolated in Part A (each isomer separately) were dissolved in dioxane and treated with excess HCl (g). After stirring for 17 hours, the title compounds were isolated as colorless solids after evaporation and vacuum drying.

[0592] Isomer 1:

[0593] C₂₁H₂₅N₃O₂.HCl (MW=387.91); mass spectroscopy (MH+free base) 352.

[0594] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=−34@589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

[0595] Isomer 2:

[0596] C₂₁H₂₅N₃O₂.HCl (MW=387.91); mass spectroscopy (MH+free base) 352.

[0597] Optical Rotation: [α]₂₀=108@589 nm (c=1, MeOH).

EXAMPLE 7-E Synthesis of 5-(N-Boc-Amino)-5,7-dihydro-6H,7H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0598] Step A—Synthesis of 5-Iodo-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0599] A solution of 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (1.0 g, 4.77 mmol) (Example 7-A) and Et₃N (2.66 ml, 19.12 mmol) were stirred for 5.0 minutes at −15° C. in CH₂Cl₂ and treated with TMSI (1.36 ml, 9.54 mmol). After stirring for 15 minutes I₂ (1.81 g, 7.16 mmol) was added in a single portion and the reaction allowed to warm to 5-10° C. over 3 h. The reaction was quenched with sat. Na₂SO₃, diluted with CH₂Cl₂ and separated. The organics were washed with Na₂SO₃ and NaHSO₃ and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration, the organics were concentrated to approximately 20 ml and diluted with an additional 20 ml of hexanes. The title compound was isolated as a tan precipitate by filtration.

[0600] Step B—Synthesis of 5-Azido-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0601] The iodide isolate above was dissolved in DMF and treated with 1.2 equivalents of NaN₃. After stirring 17 h at 23° C. the mixture was diluted with EtOAc/H₂O, separated, washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. The title compound was triturated from hot EtOAc as a tan powder.

[0602] Step C—Synthesis of 5-(N-Boc-Amino)-5,7-dihydro-6H,7H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0603] The azide was dissolved in THF/H₂O and stirred at 23° C. for 17 h in the presence of 3.0 equivalents of Ph₃P. The reaction was diluted with 50% HOAc/toluene, separated, the aqueous layer extracted with toluene and evaporated to an oily residue. This was taken to pH 7.0 by the addition of 1 N NaOH, the resulting HOAc salt was collected and vacuum dried. Finally, the compound was treated with Boc anhydride (1.05 equivalents) and Et₃N (2.1 equivalents) in THF. After stirring for 5 h at 23° C. the reaction was filtered and the title compound isolated as a colorless powder.

EXAMPLE 7-F Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-(2-methylpropyl)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0604] Step A—Synthesis of 5-(N-Boc-Amino)-7-(2-methylpropyl)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0605] A solution of 5-(N-Boc-amino)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (0.2 g, 0.617 mmol) (Example 7-E) in DMF was treated with Cs₂CO₃ (0.22 g, 0.678 mmol) and warmed to 60° C. To the reaction mixture was added 1-iodo-2-methylpropane (0.078 ml, 0.678 mmol) and stirring continued for 17 h. After cooling to 23° C. the mixture was diluted with CH₂Cl₂, washed with several portions of brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The title compound was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, CHCl₃/MeOH 9:1).

[0606] C₂₃H₂₈N₂O₃ (MW=380.41); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 381

[0607] Anal. Calcd for C₂₃H₂₈N₂O₃; C, 72.61 H, 7.42 N, 7.36. Found: C, 72.31 H, 7.64 N, 7.17.

[0608] Step B—Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-(2-methylpropyl)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0609] The compound isolated in Part A was deprotected in dioxane saturated with gaseous HCl. The title compound was isolated as a slightly colored solid after evaporation and vacuum drying.

EXAMPLE 7-G Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-(methoxyacetyl)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0610] Step A—Synthesis of 5-(N-Boc-Amino)-7-(methoxyacetyl)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0611] A solution of 5-(N-Boc-amino)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (1.03, 3.08 mmol) (Example 7-E) in DMF was treated with Cs₂CO₃ (1.10 g, 3.39 mmol) and warmed to 60° C. To the reaction mixture was added bromomethyl acetate (0.321 ml, 3.39 mmol) (Aldrich) and stirring continued for 17 h. After cooling to 23° C. the mixture was diluted with CH₂Cl₂, washed with several portions of brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The title compound was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, CHCl₃).

[0612] C₂₂H₂₄N₂O₅ (MW=396.44); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 397

[0613] Anal. Calcd for C₂₂H₂₄N₂O₅; C, 66.65 H, 6.10 N, 7.07. Found: C, 66.28 H, 5.72 N, 6.50.

[0614] Step B—Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-(methoxyacetyl)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0615] The compound isolated in Part A was deprotected in dioxane saturated with gaseous HCl. The title compound was isolated as a colorless solid after evaporation and vacuum drying.

[0616] C₁₇H₁₆N₂O₃ HCl (MW=332.78); mass spectroscopy (MH+free base) 297.

EXAMPLE 7-H Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-(3,3-dimethyl-2-butanonyl)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0617] Step A—Synthesis of 5-(N-Boc-Amino)-7-(3,3-dimethyl-butanonyl)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0618] A solution of 5-(N-Boc-amino)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (0.2 g, 0.617 mmol) (Example 7-E) in DMF was treated with Cs₂CO₃ (0.3 g, 0.925 mmol) and warmed to 60° C. To the reaction mixture was added 1-chloro-3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone (0.096 ml, 0.74 mmol) (Aldrich) and stirring continued for 17 h. After cooling to 23° C., the mixture was diluted with CH₂Cl₂, washed with several portions of brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The title compound was isolated as a colorless solid.

[0619] C₂₅H₃₀N₂O₄ (MW=422.522); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 423

[0620] Step B—Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-(3,3-dimethyl-2-butanonyl)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0621] The compound isolated in Part A was deprotected in dioxane saturated with gaseous HCl. The title compound was isolated as a colorless solid after evaporation and vacuum drying.

EXAMPLE 7-I Synthesis of L-Alaninyl-5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0622] Step A: Following General Procedure D and using N-t-Boc-L-alanine and 5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, N-t-Boc-L-alaninyl-5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one was prepared.

[0623] Step B: Following General Procedure 8-N and using the N-t-Boc-L-alaninyl-5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, the title compound was prepared. Other substituted N-t-Boc-L-alaninyl-5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-ones can also be prepared by this procedure.

EXAMPLE 7-J Synthesis of L-Valinyl-5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0624] Step A: Following General Procedure D and using N-t-Boc-L-valine and 5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, N-t-Boc-L-alaninyl-5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one was prepared.

[0625] Step B: Following General Procedure 8-N and using the N-t-Boc-L-alaninyl-5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, the title compound was prepared. Other substituted N-t-Boc-L-alaninyl-5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-ones can also be prepared by this procedure.

EXAMPLE 7-K Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-phenbutyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0626] Following General Procedure 7-A and using 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (prepared as described in Brown, et. al., Tetrahedron Letters, No. 8, 667-670, (1971) and references cited therein) and 1-chloro-4-phenylbutane (Aldrich), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-L Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-cyclopropymethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0627] Following General Procedure 7-A and using 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (prepared as described in Brown, et. al., Tetrahedron Letters, No. 8, 667-670, (1971) and references cited therein) and (bromomethyl)cyclopropane (Aldrich), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-M Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-(2′,2′,2′-trifluoroethyl)-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0628] Following General Procedure 7-A and using 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (prepared as described in Brown, et. al., Tetrahedron Letters, No. 8, 667-670, (1971) and references cited therein) and 1-bromo-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (Aldrich), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-N Synthesis of 5-Amino-7-cyclohexyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0629] Following General Procedure 7-A and using 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (prepared as described in Brown, et. al., Tetrahedron Letters, No. 8, 667-670, (1971) and references cited therein) and bromocyclohexane (Aldrich), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-O Synthesis of 5-(L-Alaninyl)amino-9-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0630] Step 1: 2-Bromo-5-fluorotoluene was stirred in THF at −78C. s-BuLi (1.05 eq., 1.3 M in cyclohexane) was slowly added and the mixture was stirred for 45 minutes. Trimethylborate (1.5 eq) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature. After stirring for 1 hour, pinacol (2 eq.) was added. The mixture was stirred for 16 hours then was concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was slurried in CH₂Cl₂ and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was concentrated to yield an oil which was purified by chromatography on deactivated silica gel (Et₃N) to yield the arylboronate ester.

[0631] Step 2: 2-Bromoaniline (1 eq.) and di-t-butyl-dicarbonate (1.1 eq.) were stirred at 80° C. for 20 hours. The resulting mixture was allowed to cool and was directly distilled using house vacuum to provide N-t-Boc-2-bromoaniline.

[0632] Step 3: N-t-Boc-2-bromoaniline (Step 2, 1 eq.), the arylboronate ester (Step 1, 1.1 eq.), K₂CO₃ (1.1 eq.) and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.02 eq) were stirred in 20% water/dioxane under nitrogen. The solution was heated at reflux for 10 hours. The mixture was allowed to cool then was concentrated. The resulting residue was partitioned between water and chloroform. The organic portion was dried and concentrated to yield an oil which was purified by silica gel chromatography using 1:1 CH₂Cl₂/hexanes.

[0633] Step 4: Following General Procedure 7-B and using the substituted biphenyl from step 3, the 9-fluoro-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one was prepared.

[0634] Step 5: 9-Fluoro-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (1 eq., Step 4), cesium carbonate (1.1 eq., Aldrich) and methyl iodide (1.1 eq., Aldrich) were stirred in dry DMF at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to provide a residue which was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic portion was dried and concentrated to yield an oil which was purified by silica gel chromatography to 9-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one.

[0635] Step 6: Following General Procedure 7-A, Step B and 9-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one from Step 5, 5-amino-9-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one was prepared.

[0636] Step 7: Following the procedure of Example 7-I and using 5-amino-9-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one from Step 6, the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-P Synthesis of 5-(L-Alaninyl)amino-13-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0637] Following the procedure of Example 7-O and using 2-bromo-4-fluoroaniline (Step 2, Lancaster) and o-tolylboronic acid (Step 3, Aldrich), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-Q Synthesis of 5-(L-Alaninyl)amino-10-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0638] Following the procedure of Example 7-O and using 2-bromo-4-fluorotoluene (Step 1), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-R Synthesis of 5-(L-Alanyl)-amino-7-cyclopropylmethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0639] Following the procedure of Example 7-I and using 5-amino-7-cyclopropylmethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (Example 7-L), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-S Synthesis of 5-(L-Alaninyl)amino-7-phenbutyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0640] Following the procedure of Example 7-I and using 5-amino-7-phenbutyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (Example 7-K), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-T Synthesis of 5-(L-Valinyl)amino-7-cyclopropylmethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0641] Following the procedure of Example 7-J and using 5-amino-7-cyclopropylmethyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (Example 7-L), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-U Synthesis of 5-(L-Valinyl)amino-7-phenbutyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0642] Following the procedure of Example 7-J and using 5-amino-7-phenbutyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (Example 7-U), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-V Synthesis of 5-(L-Valinyl)amino-7-hexyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0643] Step A: Following General Procedure 7-A and using 5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (prepared as described in Brown, et. al., Tetrahedron Letters, No. 8, 667-670, (1971) and references cited therein) and 1-bromohexane (Aldrich), 5-amino-7-hexyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one was prepared.

[0644] Step B: Following the procedure of Example 7-J and using 5-amino-7-hexyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one, the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-W Synthesis of 5-(L-Valinyl)amino-10-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0645] Following the procedure of Example 7-J and using 5-amino-10-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (as prepared in Example 7-Q), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-X Synthesis of 5-(L-Valinyl)amino-13-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0646] Following the procedure of Example 7-J and using the 5-amino-13-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (as prepared in Example 7-P), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-Y Synthesis of 5-(L-Valinyl)amino-13-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0647] Following the procedure of Example 7-J and using the 5-amino-9-fluoro-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (as prepared in Example 7-O), the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 7-Z Synthesis of (5-Amino-7-methyl-1,2,3,4,5,7-hexahydro-6H-dicyclohexyl[b,d]azepin-6-one

[0648] The 5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one hydrochloride (Example 7-A) was dissolved in a 1:1 mixture of EtOAc/HOAc. 5% Rh/C was added and the mixture was stirred at 60° C. under 60 psi of hydrogen. After 3 days, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated to provide an oil which was purified by SCX-cation exchange chromatography to yield the title compound.

EXAMPLE 7-AA Synthesis of 5-(S)-Amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one Hydrochloride

[0649] Following General Procedure 7-C using racemic 5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (1.0 eq.) and di-p-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid monohydrate (1.0 eq.) in methanol, the title compound was prepared as a solid. The product was collected by filtration. Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC.

[0650] Desired enantiomer 1: retention time of 9.97 minutes.

[0651] Undesired enantiomer 2: retention time of 8.62 minutes.

[0652] NMR data was as follows:

[0653]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=9.39 (s, 2H), 7.75−7.42 (m, 8H), 4.80 (s, 1H), 3.30 (s, 3H).

[0654] C₁₅H₁₅ClN₂O (MW=274.75); mass spectroscopy (MH⁺) 239.1.

[0655] Anal Calcd for C₁₅H₁₅ClN₂O₃; C, 65.57; H, 5.50; N, 10.20; Found: C, 65.51, H, 5.61; N, 10.01.

EXAMPLE 7-AB Synthesis of 9-Amino-5,6-dihydro-4H-quino[8,1-ab][3]benzazepin-8(9H)-one Hydrochlororide

[0656] Step A—Synthesis of 8-Phenylquinoline

[0657] A degassed solution of 8-bromoquinoline (1.0 g, 4.81 mmol) (Aldrich) in dioxane (50 mL)/H₂O (10 mL) was treated with phenylboronic acic (0.64 g, 5.29 mmol) (Aldrich), Pd(Ph₃P)₄(0.050 g, 0.04 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.73 g, 5.29 mmol). After refluxing for 4 h under a N₂ atmosphere the reaction was allowed to cool, diluted with EtOAc and separated. After drying over Na₂SO₄ and SiO₂ chromatography (95:5 Hexanes/EtOAc) the titled compound was isolated as a colorless oil.

[0658] Physical data were as follows:

[0659]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=8.97 (d, 1H), 8.22 (dd, 1H), 7.87−7.39 (m, 9H).

[0660] C₁₅H₁₁N (MW=205); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 206.

[0661] Step B—Synthesis of 8-Phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline

[0662] The product from Step A (0.99 g, 4.82 mmol) was hydrogenated according to the procedure described by Honel, M., et. al., J. C. S. Perkin I, (1980), 1933-1938.

[0663] Physical data were as follows:

[0664]¹H-nmr (CDCl₃): δ=7.46 (m, 3H), 7.38 (m, 2H), 6.98 (m, 2H), 6.70 (m, 1H), 3.27 (t, 2H), 2.86 (t, 2H), 1.96 (m, 2H).

[0665] C₁₅H₁₅N (MW=209); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 210.

[0666] Step C—Synthesis of 1-Chloromethylacetyl-8-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline

[0667] The product from Step B (1.0 g, 4.78 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL)/H₂O (20 mL) and treated with NaHCO₃ (0.602 g, 7.18 mmol) followed by chloroacetyl chloride (0.478 ml, 5.26 mmol). After stirring for 17 h at 23° C., the reaction was diluted with CH₂Cl₂, washed with saturated NaHCO₃, dried over Na₂SO₄ and purified by SiO₂ chromatography (CHCl₃/Hexanes 9:1). The product was isolated as a colorless solid.

[0668] Physical data were as follows:

[0669] C₁₇H₁₆ClNO (MW=286.77); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 287.

[0670] Anal. Calcd for C₁₇H₁₆ClNO; C, 71.45 H, 5.64 N, 4.90. Found: C, 71.63 H, 5.60 N, 4.87.

[0671] Step D—Synthesis of 5,6-Dihydro-4H-quino[8,1-ab][3]benzazepin-8(9H)-one

[0672] The product from Step C (0.89 g, 3.11 mmol) was mixed thoroughly with AlCl₃ (0.87 g, 6.54 mmol) at 23° C. and the mixture heated neat at 100° C. for 5-7 minutes. After vigorous gas evolution, the molten mixture was allowed to cool and extracted with several portions of CH₂Cl₂/NaHCO₃ (sat). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and the title compound was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, CHCl₃/hexanes 9:1), yielding a colorless oil which solidified upon standing.

[0673] Physical data were as follows:

[0674] C₁₇H₁₅NO (MW=249.312); mass spectroscopy (MH+)250.

[0675] Anal. Calcd for C₁₇H₁₅NO; C, 81.90 H, 6.06 N, 5.62. Found: C 81.75 H, 6.11 N, 5.86.

[0676] Step E—Synthesis of 9-Oximo-5,6-Dihydro-4H-quino[8,1-ab][3]benzazepin-8(9H)-one

[0677] The product from Step D (0.490 g, 1.97 mmol) was dissolved in THF and butyl nitrite (0.46 mL, 3.93 mmol) and treated with KHMDS (0.5 M, 4.52 mL, 2.26 mmol) at 0° C. After stirring for 1 h, the reaction was quenched with cold 1 N HCl, extracted with EtOAc, the combined organic layers dried over Na₂SO₄ and the product purified by SiO₂ chromatography (CHCl₃/MeOH, 99:1). The title compound was isolated as a colorless solid.

[0678] Physical data were as follows:

[0679] C₁₇H₁₄N₂O₂ (MW=278.3); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 279.

[0680] Anal. Calcd for C₁₇H₁₄N₂O₂.0.3317 mol H₂O; C, 71.82 H, 5.19 N, 9.85. Found: C, 71.85 H, 5.09 N, 9.59.

[0681] Step F—Synthesis of 9-Amino-5,6-Dihydro-4H-quino[8,1-ab][3]benzazepin-8(9H)-one

[0682] The product from Step E (0.360 g, 1.29 mmol) was hydrogenated over Ra/Ni (0.05 g) in EtOH (50 mL)/NH₃ (anhydrous) (5.0 mL) at 100° C. and 500 psi for 10 h. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the resulting filtrate chromatographed over SiO₂ (CHCl₃/MeOH, 98:2) yielding the titled compound as a colorless oil which solidified upon standing.

[0683] Physical data were as follows:

[0684] C₁₇H₁₆N₂O (MW=264.326); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 266.

[0685] Anal. Calcd for C₁₇H₁₆N₂O; C, 77.25 H, 6.10 N, 10.60. Found: C, 77.23 H, 6.15 N, 10.49.

EXAMPLE 7-AC Synthesis of 9-(N′-L-Alaninyl)amino-5,6-dihydro-4H-quino[8,1-ab][3]benzazepin-8(9H)-one Hydrochloride

[0686] Step A—Synthesis of 9-(N′-Boc-L-Alaninyl)amino-5,6-Dihydro-4H-quino[8,1-ab][3]benzazepin-8(9H)-one

[0687] Following General Procedure D and using N-Boc-Alanine (Aldrich) and 9-amino-5,6-dihydro-4H-quino[8,1-ab][3]benzazepin-8(9H)-one (from Example 7-AC), the title compound was prepared.

[0688] Physical data were as follows:

[0689] C₂₅H₂₉N₃O₄ (MW=435.521); mass spectroscopy (MH+) 436.

[0690] Anal. Calcd for C₂₅H₂₉N₃O₄.0.4102 mol H₂O; C, 67.79 H, 6.79 N, 9.49;

[0691] Found: C, 67.83 H, 6.91 N, 9.29.

[0692] Step B—Synthesis of 9-(N′-L-Alaninyl)amino-5,6-dihydro-4H-quino[8,1-ab][3]benzazepin-8(9H)-one Hydrochloride

[0693] Following General Procedure E and using the product from Step A, the title compound was prepared.

[0694] Physical data were as follows:

[0695] C₂₀H₂₁N₃O₂HCl (MW=371.6); mass spectroscopy (MH+free base ) 335.

[0696] C. Benzodiazepine Derivatives and Related Compounds

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-A N-1-Methylation of Benzodiazepines

[0697] A solution of benzodiazepine (1 eq.) in DMF (0.1 M concentration) at 0° C. was treated with potassium tert-butoxide (1.0 eq., 1.0 M solution in THF). After stirring for 30 minutes at 0° C., iodomethane (1.3 eq.) was added and stirring continued for 25 minutes. The mixture was diluted with methylene chloride and washed with water and brine. The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The crude product was then either purified by trituration with 1:1 ether/hexanes or chromatographed via HPLC using ethyl acetate/hexanes as the eluent.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-B Cbz Removal Procedure

[0698] A flask was charged with the Cbz-protected 3-aminobenzodiazepine (1 eq.). To this was added HBr (34 eq.; 30% solution in acetic acid). Within 20 minutes all of the starting material dissolves. The reaction was stirred for 5 hours at ambient temperature. Ether was added to the orange solution causing the HBr.amine salt to precipitate. The mixture was decanted. This process of adding ether and decanting was repeated thrice in an effort to remove acetic acid and benzyl bromide. Toluene was added and the mixture concentrated in vacuo. This step was also repeated. The HBr salt was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 1 M K₂CO₃. The aqueous layer was back-extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-C Boc Removal Procedure

[0699] A solution of Boc-protected amine (1 eq.) in methylene chloride (0.15 M concentration) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with trifluoroacetic acid (30 eq.). After 10 minutes at 0° C., the cooling bath was removed and stirring continued at ambient for 20 minutes to 1 hour. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo to remove excess trifluoroacetic acid. The residue was dissolved in methylene chloride and washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ or 1 M K₂CO₃ and brine. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-D Azide Transfer Reaction Using KHMDS

[0700] The azido derivative was prepared using the procedure described in John W. Butcher et al., Tet Lett., 37, 6685-6688 (1996).

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-E Azide Transfer Reaction Using LDA

[0701] To a solution of diisopropylamine (1.1 eq.) in 1 mL of dry THF cooled to −78° C. was added n-butyl lithium (1.6M in hexane) (1.1 eq.) dropwise maintaing the reaction temperature at −78° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min. at −78° C. and then the lactam (0.471 mM) was added dropwise as a solution in 1 mL of dry THF. The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 30 min. and then a pre-cooled solution of trisyl azide (1.2 eq.) was added as a solution in 1 mL of dry THF. The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 20 min. and then quenched with acetic acid (4.0 eq.). The reaction mixture was then stirred at 40° C. for 2 hrs. The reaction was then poured into EtOAc and washed with water, sodium bicarbonate and brine, and then dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by LC 2000 chromatography.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-F Azido Group Reduction

[0702] The azido group was reduced to the corresponding primary amine using the procedure described in John W. Butcher et al., Tet. Lett., 37, 6685-6688 (1996).

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-G N-Alkylation of Amides or Lactams Using Sodium Hydride or Potassium Tert-Butoxide

[0703] To a slurry of sodium hydride or potassium tert-butoxide (1.1 eq) in 15 mL of dry DMF was added the appropriate amide (0.0042 moles) as a solution in 10 mL of DMF. The alkyl iodide was then added and a thick slurry resulted. The reaction became less thick as time elapsed and when complete by TLC the reaction had become homogeneous. The reaction mixture was poured over ice and extracted into ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, followed by brine. The organic layer was then dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by HPLC (LC 2000), eluting with an ethyl acetate/hexane system.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-H N-Alkylation of Amides or Lactams Using KHMDS

[0704] To the appropriate amide or lactam in THF cooled to −78° C. was added KHMDS dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min. at −78° C. The alkyl iodide was then added dropwise while maintaining the temperature at −70° C. The cooling bath was then removed and reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirring was continued for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was then poured over ice and extracted into ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were washed with water, followed by brine. The organic layer was then dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by HPLC (LC 2000), eluting with an ethyl acetate/hexane system.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-I N-Alkylation of Amides or Lactams Using Cesium Carbonate

[0705] To a solution of the amide or lactam in DMF was added cesium carbonate (1.05 eq) and an alkyl iodide (1.1 eq). The mixture was allowed to stir overnight at room temperature and then the reaction mixture was dilluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water, followed by brine. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by HPLC (LC 2000), eluting with an ethyl acetate/hexane system.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-J BOC Removal Procedure

[0706] To an N-Boc protected compound was added CH₂Cl₂/TFA (4:1) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and then concentrated. The residue was extracted into dichloromethane and washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the free amine.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-K Azide Transfer Procedure

[0707] This azide transfer procedure is a modification of the procedure described in Evans, D. A.; Britton, T. C.; Ellman, J. A.; Dorow, R. L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1990, 112, 4011-4030. To a solution of the lactam substrate (1.0 eq.) in THF (˜0.1 M) under N₂ at −78° C. was added a solution of KN(TMS)₂ (1.1 eq. of 0.5 M in Toluene, Aldrich) dropwise over a period of 2-10 minutes. A slight exotherm was often observed by an internal thermometer, and the resulting solution was stirred for 5-15 minutes, while re-cooling to −78° C. Then, trisyl azide (1.1-1.5 eq., CAS No. 36982-84-0, prepared as described by references in the Evans reference above) in THF (˜0.5 M), either precooled to −78° C. or at room temperature, was added via cannula over a period of 0.5-5 minutes. Again, a slight exotherm was generally noted. The resulting solution was stirred for from 5-10 minutes, while re-cooling to −78° C. Then, AcOH (4.5-4.6 eq., glacial) was added, the cooling bath removed and the mixture allowed to warm to room temperature with stirring for 12-16 hours. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc, in a 2-5 volume multiple of the initial THF volume, and washed with dilute aq. NaHCO₃ (1-2×), 0.1-1.0 M aq. HCl (0-2×), and brine (1×). The organic phase was then dried over MgSO₄, filtered, concentrated to provide the crude product.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-L Azide Reduction to an Amine

[0708] A mixture of the azide in absolute EtOH (0.03-0.07 M) and 10% Pd/C (˜⅓ by weight of the azide) was shaken in a Parr apparatus under H₂ (35-45 psi) at room temperature for 3-6 hours. The catalyst was removed by filtration through a plug of Celite, rinsing with absolute EtOH, and the filtrate concentrated to provide the crude amine product.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-M Amide Alkylation Using Cesium Carbonate

[0709] This procedure is a modification of the procedure described in Claremon, D. A.; et al, PCT Application: WO 96-US8400 960603. To a mixture of 2,4-dioxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine (CAS No. 49799-48-6) in DMF (1.0 eq., 0.7 M) under N₂ at room temperature was added Cs₂CO₃ (2.2 eq.) and the appropriate alkyl halide (2.2 eq.). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5.5-16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between EtOAc and sat. NaHCO₃. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (1-2×) and the combined EtOAc extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to provide the crude product.

GENERAL PROCEDURE 8-N BOC Removal Procedure

[0710] A stream of anhydrous HCl gas was passed through a stirred solution of the N-t-Boc protected amino acid in 1,4-dioxane (0.03-0.09 M), chilled in a ice bath to ˜10° C. under N₂, for 10-15 minutes. The solution was capped, the cooling bath removed, and the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature with stirring for 2-8 hours, monitoring by TLC for the consumption of starting material. The solution was concentrated (and in some instances dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ then re-concentrated and placed in vacuum oven at 60-70° C. to remove most of the residual dioxane) and used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 8-A Synthesis of 3-Amino-1,3-dihydro-5-(1-piperidinyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0711] Step A—Preparation of 1,2-Dihydro-3H-1-methyl-5-(1-piperidinyl)-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0712] A solution of phosphorous pentachloride (1.2 eq) in methylene chloride was added dropwise to a solution of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2,5-dione (Showell, G. A.; Bourrain, S.; Neduvelil, J. G.; Fletcher, S. R.; Baker, R.; Watt, A. P.; Fletcher, A. E.; Freedman, S. B.; Kemp, J. A.; Marshall, G. R.; Patel, S.; Smith, A. J.; Matassa, V. G. J. Med. Chem. 1994, 37, 719.) in methylene chloride. The resultant yellowish-orange solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 2.5 hours; the solvent was removed in vacuo. The orange residue was redissolved in methylene chloride, cooled to 0° C., and treated with a solution of piperidine (2 eq) and triethylamine (2 eq) in methylene chloride. The cooling bath was removed and the reaction stirred for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (back-extracted with methylene chloride) and brine. The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via HPLC eluting with a gradient of 4 to 10% methanol/methylene chloride affording the title intermediate as a yellow solid having a melting point of 103-105° C.

[0713] C₁₅H₁₉N₃O (MW 257.37); mass spectroscopy 257.

[0714] Anal. Calcd for C₁₅H₁₉N₃O: C, 70.01; H, 7.44; N, 16.33. Found: C, 69.94; H, 7.58; N, 16.23.

[0715] Step B—Preparation of 1,2-Dihydro-3H-1-methyl-3-oximido-5-(1-piperidinyl)-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0716] Potassium tert-butoxide (2.5 eq) was added in two portions to a −20° C. solution of 1,2-dihydro-3H-1-methyl-5-(1-piperidinyl)-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (1 eq) in toluene. After stirring at −20° C. for 20 min, isoamyl nitrite (1.2 eq.; Aldrich) was added to the red reaction mixture. The reaction was stirred at −20° C. for 5 hours at which time the reaction was done by TLC. The cooling bath was removed and the reaction quenched with 0.5 M citric acid. After stirring for 10 minutes, diethyl ether was added. The suspension was stirred at ambient temperature overnight then filtered washing with ether. The resultant cream colored solid had a melting point of 197-200° C.

[0717]¹H NMR data of the E/Z isomers was as follows:

[0718]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=7.64 (1H, bs), 7.48 (2H, d, J=7.4 Hz), 7.35−7.20 (6H, m), 6.75 (1H, bs), 3.8−3.2 (8H, m), 3.46 (3H, s), 3.42 (3H, s), 1.90-1.40 (12H, m).

[0719] C₁₅H₁₈N₄O₂ (MW=286.37); mass spectroscopy 286.

[0720] Step C—Preparation of 1,2-dihydro-3H-1-methyl-3-[O-(ethylaminocarbonyl)oximido]-5-(1-piperidinyl)-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0721] A mixture of 1,2-dihydro-3H-1-methyl-3-oximido-5-(1-piperidinyl)-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (1 eq) in THF was treated with ethyl isocyanate (1.7 eq) and triethylamine (0.6 eq). The mixture was heated to 64° C. for 4 hours. The mixture was concentrated and the residue purified by HPLC eluting with 5% methanol/methylene chloride.

[0722]¹H NMR data of the E/Z isomers was as follows:

[0723]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=7.50 (2H, dd, J=8.4, 1.5 Hz), 7.35−7.22 (6H, m), 6.42 (1H, bt), 6.20 (1H, bt), 3.7−3.4 (8H, m), 3.46 (3H, s), 3.44 (3H, s), 3.25 (4H, m), 1.9−1.4 (12H, m), 1.12 (3H, t, J=6.3 Hz), 1.10 (3H, t, J=6.3 Hz).

[0724] C₁₈H₂₃N₅O₃ (MW=357.46); mass spectroscopy 357.

[0725] Step D—Preparation of 3-Amino-1,3-dihydro-2H-1-methyl-5-(1-piperidinyl)-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0726] The 1,2-dihydro-3H-1-methyl-3-[O-(ethylaminocarbonyl)oximido]-5-(1-piperidinyl)-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (1 eq) was hydrogenated in methanol over 5% palladium on carbon (0.15 eq) at 43 psi for 3.25 hours. The reaction was filtered through celite and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in methylene chloride and filtered a second time through celite. The filtrate was concentrated and the resultant foam was used immediately.

EXAMPLE 8-B Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0727] Step A—Preparation of (S)-3-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, (1S)-7,7-dimethyl-2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-methanesulfonate

[0728] The title intermediate was prepared according to Reider, P. J.; Davis, P.; Hughes, D. L.; Grabowski, E. J. J. J. Org. Chem. 1987, 52, 955 using 3-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (Bock M. G.; DiPardo, R. M.; Evans, B. E.; Rittle, K. E.; Veber, D. F.; Freidinger, R. M.; Hirshfield, J.; Springer, J. P. J. Org. Chem. 1987, 52, 3232.) as the starting material.

[0729] Step B—Preparation of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0730] (S)-3-Amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, (1S)-7,7-dimethyl-2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-methanesulfonate was free based by partitioning between methylene chloride and 1M potassium carbonate. The free amine was then coupled with N-Boc-alanine following General Procedure D.

[0731] C₂₄H₂₈N₄O₄ (MW=436.56); mass spectroscopy 436.

[0732] Anal. Calc. for C₂₄H₂₈N₄O₄: C, 66.03; H, 6.47; N, 12.84. Found: C, 65.79; H, 6.68; N, 12.80.

[0733] Step C—Preparation of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0734] Following General Procedure 8-C using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title compound was prepared as a white foam.

[0735] Anal. Calc. for C₁₉H₁₉N₄O₂: C, 69.21; H, 6.64; N, 15.37. Found: C, 70.11; H, 6.85; N, 15.01.

EXAMPLE 8-C Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0736] Step A—Preparation of 3-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0737] A solution of 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-Benzodiazepin-2-one (1 eq; Neosystem) in DMF was cooled to 0° C. and treated with potassium tert-butoxide (1 eq; 1.0M solution in THF). The resultant yellow solution was stirred at 0° C. for 30 minutes then quenched with methyl iodide (1.3 eq). After stirring an addition 25 minutes the reaction was diluted with methylene chloride and washed with water and brine. The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via HPLC chromatography eluting with a gradient of 20→30% ethyl acetate/hexanes.

[0738] C₂₄H₂₀ClN₃O₃ (MW=433.92); mass spectroscopy 433.

[0739] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₂₀ClN₃O₃: C, 66.44; H, 4.65; N, 9.68. Found: C, 66.16; H, 4.50; N, 9.46.

[0740] Step B—Preparation of 3-Amino-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0741] Following General Procedure 8-B using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam which was used immediately in Step C.

[0742] Step C—Preparation of 3-[N′-tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0743] Following General Procedure D using N-Boc-L-alanine and 3-amino-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam.

[0744] C₂₄H₂₈ClN₄O₄ (MW=471.18); mass spectroscopy 471

[0745] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₂₈ClN₄O₄: C, 61.21; H, 5.78; N, 11.90. Found: C, 61.24; H, 5.59; N, 11.67.

[0746] Step D—Preparation of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0747] Following General Procedure 8-C using 3-[N′-tert-butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam. The crude material was used immediately.

EXAMPLE 8-D Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-7-bromo-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0748] Step A—Preparation of 3-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-7-bromo-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0749] Following General Procedure 8-A using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-7-bromo-2,3-dihydro-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (Neosystem), the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam.

[0750] C₂₄H₁₉BrFN₃O₃ (MW=496.36); mass spectroscopy 497.

[0751] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₁₉BrFN₃O₃: C, 58.08; H, 3.86; N, 8.47. Found: C, 57.90; H, 4:15; N, 8.20.

[0752] Step B—Preparation of 3-Amino-7-bromo-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0753] Following General Procedure 8-B using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-7-bromo-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam which was used immediately in Step C.

[0754] Step C—Preparation of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-7-bromo-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0755] Following General Procedure D using N-Boc-L-alanine (Novo) and 3-amino-7-bromo-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam.

[0756] C₂₄H₂₆BrFN₄O₄ (MW=533.12); mass spectroscopy 533.2.

[0757] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₂₆BrFN₄O₄: C, 54.04; H, 4.91; N, 10.50. Found: C, 53.75; H, 4.92; N, 10.41.

[0758] Step D—Preparation of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-7-bromo-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0759] Following General Procedure 8-C using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-7-bromo-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam. The crude material was used immediately.

EXAMPLE 8-E Synthesis of 3-(N′-Methyl-L-alaninyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0760] Step A—Preparation of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-N′-methyl-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0761] Following General Procedure D and using (S)-3-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (Example 8-B) and N-tert-Boc-N-methyl-alanine (Sigma), the title intermediate was obtained as a white solid.

[0762] C₂₅H₃₀N₄O₄ (MW=450.2); mass spectroscopy (M+1) 451.2.

[0763] Anal. calcd for C₂₅H₃₀N₄O₄: C, 66.65; H, 6.71; N, 12.44. Found: C, 66.66; H, 6.89; N, 12.21.

[0764] Step A—Preparation of 3-(N′-Methyl-L-alaninyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0765] Following General Procedure 8-C and using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-N′-methyl-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam.

[0766] C₂₀H₂₂N₄O₂ (MW=350.46); mass spectroscopy (M+1) 351.4.

[0767] Anal. calcd for C₂₀H₂₂N₄O₂: C, 68.55; H, 6.33; N, 15.99. Found, C, 68.36; H, 6.20; N, 15.79.

EXAMPLE 8-F Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0768] Step A—Preparation of 3-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0769] Following General Procedure 8-A using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (Neosystem), the title intermediate was prepared as a white solid having a melting point of 232-233° C.

[0770] C₂₄H₁₉Cl₂N₃O₃ (MW=468.36); mass spectroscopy 468.

[0771]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=7.67 (1H, m), 7.52 (1H, dd, J=2.4, 8.7 Hz), 7.42−7.26 (9H, m), 7.07 (1H, d, J=2.4 Hz), 6.70 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 5.35 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 5.14 (2H, ABq, J=19.6 Hz), 3.47 (3H, s).

[0772]¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=166.66, 165.65, 155.72, 140.52, 136.99, 136.0, 132.87, 131.99, 131.47, 131.40, 131.38, 131.16, 130.54, 130.06, 128.45, 128.08, 128.03, 127.72, 127.22, 123.28, 122.01, 68.95, 67.02, 35.32.

[0773] Step B—Preparation of 3-Amino-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0774] Following General Procedure 8-B using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam which was used immediately in Step C.

[0775] Step C—Preparation of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0776] Following General Procedure D using N-Boc-L-alanine and 3-amino-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam.

[0777] C₂₄H₂₆Cl₂N₄O₄ (MW=505.44); mass spectroscopy 505.2.

[0778] Step D—Preparation of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0779] Following General Procedure 8-C using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam. The crude material was used immediately.

EXAMPLE 8-G Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-5-cyclohexyl-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-1H-1,4-Benzodiazepin-2-one

[0780] Step A—Preparation of 3-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-5-cylclohexyl-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0781] Following General Procedure 8-A using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-5-cyclohexyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (Neosystem), the title intermediate was prepared as a white solid having a melting point of 205-206° C.

[0782] C₂₄H₂₇N₃O₃ (MW=405.54); mass spectroscopy 405.

[0783]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=7.54 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz), 7.48 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz), 7.36−7.26 (7H, m), 6.54 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 5.15 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 5.09 (2H, ABq, J=17.1 Hz), 3.39 (3H, s), 2.77 (1H, m), 2.01 (1H, bd, J=13.6 Hz), 1.85 (1H, bd, J=12.4 Hz), 1.68−1.49 (4H, m), 1.34−1.02 (4H, m).

[0784] Step B—Preparation of 3-Amino-5-cyclohexyl-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0785] Following General Procedure 8-B using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-5-cyclohexyl-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam which was used immediately in Step C.

[0786] C₁₆H₂₁N₃O (MW+H=272.1763); mass spectroscopy 272.1766

[0787] Step C—Preparation of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-5-cyclohexyl-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0788] Following General Procedure D using N-Boc-L-alanine and 3-amino-5-cyclohexyl-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam.

[0789] C₂₄H₃₄N₄O₄ (MW=442.62); mass spectroscopy (M+H) 443.2.

[0790] Step D—Preparation of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-5-cyclohexyl-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0791] Following General Procedure 8-C using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-5-cyclohexyl-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam. The crude material was used immediately.

[0792] C₁₉H₂₆N₄O₂ (M+H=343.2136); mass spectroscopy found 343.2139.

EXAMPLE 8-H Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-7-nitro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0793] Step A—Preparation of 2-[N-(α-Isopropylthio-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-5-nitrobenzophenone

[0794] A solution of α-(isopropylthio)-N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)glycine (1 eq; prepared according to Zoller, V.; Ben-Ishai, D. Tetrahedron 1975, 31, 863.) in dry THF was cooled to 0° C. and treated with oxalyl chloride (1 eq.) and 3 drops of DMF. After stirring for 15 minutes at 0° C, the cooling bath was removed and stirring continued at ambient temperature for 40 minutes. The solution was recooled to 0° C. A solution of 2-amino-5-nitrobenzophenone (0.9 eq.; Acros) and 4-methylmorpholine (2.0 eq.) in dry THF was added via cannulation to the acid chloride. The cooling bath was removed and the reaction stirred at ambient for 5 hours. The reaction was diluted with methylene chloride and washed with 0.5 M citric acid, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃, and brine. The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via preparative LC2000 eluting with a gradient of 15→20% ethyl acetate/hexanes giving an off-white foam.

[0795] C₂₆H₂₅N₃O₆S (MW=507.61); mass spectroscopy found 507.9.

[0796] Anal. calcd for C₂₆H₂₅N₃O₆S: C, 61.53; H, 4.96; N, 8.28. Found: C, 61.70; H, 4.99; N, 8.22.

[0797] Step B—Preparation of 2-[N-(α-Amino)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-5-nitrobenzophenone

[0798] Ammonia gas was bubbled into a solution 2-[N-(α-isopropylthio)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-5-nitrobenzophenone (1 eq) in THF at 0° C. After 35 minutes mercury(II) chloride (1.1 eq) was added. The ice bath was removed and ammonia gas was continued to bubble through the suspension for 4 hours. The bubbler was removed and the reaction continued to stir for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered through celite washing with THF. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude solid was used in step C without further purification.

[0799] Step C—Preparation of 3-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0800] 2-[N-(α-Amino)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-5-nitrobenzophenone (1 eq) was treated with glacial acetic acid and ammonium acetate (4.7 eq). The suspension was stirred at ambient temperature for 21 hours. After concentrating the reaction in vacuo, the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 1 N NaOH. The aqueous layer was back-extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via flash chromatography eluting with a gradient of 2→3% isopropyl alcohol/methylene chloride.

[0801] C₂₃H₁₈N₄O₅ (MW=430.45); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 431.2.

[0802] Anal. calcd for C₂₃H₁₈N₄O₅: C, 64.18; H, 4.22; N, 13.02. Found: C, 64.39; H, 4.30; N, 13.07.

[0803] Step D—Preparation of 3-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-7-nitro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0804] Following General Procedure 8-A and using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow foam.

[0805] C₂₄H₂₀N₄O₅ (MW=444.48); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 445.2.

[0806] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₂₀N₄O₅: C, 64.86; H, 4.54; N, 12.60. Found: C, 65.07; H, 4.55; N, 12.46.

[0807] Step E—Preparation of 3-Amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0808] Following General Procedure 8-B and using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-7-nitro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow foam which was used immediately in Step F.

[0809] Step F—Preparation of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-7-nitro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0810] Following General Procedure D using N-Boc-L-alanine and 3-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow solid.

[0811] C₂₄H₂₇N₅O₆ (MW=481.56); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 482.3.

[0812] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₂₇N₅O₆: C, 59.88; H, 5.61; N, 14.55. Found: C, 60.22; H, 5.75; N, 13.91.

[0813] Step G—Preparation of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-7-nitro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0814] Following General Procedure 8-C using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-7-nitro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow foam. The crude material was used immediately.

EXAMPLE 8-I Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0815] Step A—Preparation of 3-Amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0816] A flask was charged with 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-7-bromo-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (1 eq.; Example 8-D, Step A) and 10% palladium on carbon. Methanol was added, and the flask was placed under a balloon of H₂. The reaction was stirred for 21 hours. The mixture was filtered through celite washing with methanol. The filtrate was concentrated to a white solid.

[0817] C₁₆H₁₄FN₃O (MW=283.33); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 284.1.

[0818] Step B—Preparation of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0819] Following General Procedure D using N-Boc-L-alanine and 3-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white solid.

[0820] C₂₄H₂₇FN₄O₄ (MW=454.50); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 455.4.

[0821] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₂₇FN₄O₄: C, 63.44; H, 5.95; N, 12.33. Found: C, 63.64; H, 6.08; N, 12.16.

[0822] Step C—Preparation of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-7-bromo-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0823] Following General Procedure 8-C using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a white foam. The crude material was used immediately.

EXAMPLE 8-J Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0824] Step A—Preparation of 2-Amino-3′-fluorobenzophenone

[0825] A solution of 3-bromofluorobenzene (1 eq.) in THF was cooled to −78° C. under nitrogen and treated with tert-butyllithium (2.05 eq., 1.6 M solution in pentane) at a rate of 40 ml/h. The internal temperature did not rise above −74° C. The orange solution was stirred at −78° C. for 30 minutes prior to the addition of anthranilonitrile (0.6 eq.) as a solution in THF. The reaction was warmed to 0° C. and stirred for 2 hours. 3N HCl was added to the mixture and stirring continued for 30 minutes. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was back-extracted thrice with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via HPLC eluting with 93:7 hexanes/ethyl acetate.

[0826] C₁₃H₁₀FNO (MW=215.24); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 216.3.

[0827]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) d 7.44−7.19 (6H, m), 6.74 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 6.61 (1H, dd, J=0.94, 7.9 Hz), 6.10 (2H, bs).

[0828] Step B—Preparation of 2-[N-(α-Isopropylthio)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-3′-fluorobenzophenone

[0829] A solution of α-(isopropylthio)-N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)glycine (1 eq; prepared according to Zoller, V.; Ben-Ishai, D. Tetrahedron 1975, 31, 863.) in dry THF was cooled to 0° C. and treated with oxalyl chloride (1 eq.) and 3 drops of DMF. After stirring for 15 minutes at 0° C., the cooling bath was removed and stirring continued at ambient temperature for 40 minutes. The solution was recooled to 0° C. A solution of 2-amino-3′-fluorobenzophenone (0.9 eq.) and 4-methylmorpholine (2.0 eq.) in dry THF was added via cannulation to the acid chloride. The cooling bath was removed and the reaction stirred at ambient for 5 hours. The reaction was diluted with methylene chloride and washed with 0.5 M citric acid, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃, and brine. The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via preparative LC2000 eluting with a gradient of 15→20% ethyl acetatee/hexanes giving an off-white foam.

[0830] C₂₆H₂₅N₂O₄S (MW=480.60); mass spectroscopy found (M+NH₄ ⁺) 498.3.

[0831]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) d 11.39 (1H, s), 8.59 (1H, d, J=6.0 Hz), 7.63−7.55 (2H, m), 7.48−7.27 (9H, m), 7.14(1H, dt, J=1.2, 8.4 Hz), 5.94 (1H, d, J=7.2 Hz), 5.58 (1H, d, J=8.7 Hz), 5.17 (2H, ABq, J=14.7 Hz), 3.25 (1H, sep, J=6.6 Hz), 1.44 (3H, d, J=6.0 Hz), 1.28 (3H, d, J=6.6 Hz).

[0832] Step C—Preparation of 2-[N-(α-Amino)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-3′-fluorobenzophenone

[0833] Ammonia gas was bubbled into a solution 2-[N-(α-isopropylthio)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-3′-fluorobenzophenone (1 eq) in THF at 0° C. After 35 minutes mercury(II) chloride (1.1 eq) was added. The ice bath was removed and ammonia gas was continued to bubble through the suspension for 4 hours. The bubbler was removed and the reaction continued to stir for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered through celite washing with THF. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude solid was used in step D without further purification.

[0834] Step D—Preparation of 3-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0835] 2-[N-(α-Amino)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-3′-fluorobenzophenone (1 eq) was treated with glacial acetic acid and ammonium acetate (4.7 eq). The suspension was stirred at ambient temperature for 21 hours. After concentrating the reaction in vacuo, the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 1 N NaOH. The aqueous layer was back-extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via flash chromatography eluting with a gradient of 2→3% isopropyl alcohol/methylene chloride.

[0836] C₂₃H₁₈FN₃O₃ (MW=403.44); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 404.4.

[0837] Anal. calcd for C₂₃H₁₈FN₃O₃.0.5H₂O: C, 66.98; H, 4.64; N, 10.18. Found: C, 67.20; H, 4.64; N, 9.77.

[0838] Step E—Preparation of 3-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0839] Following General Procedure 8-A and using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow foam.

[0840] C₂₄H₂₀FN₃O₃ (MW=417.47); mass spectroscopy found (M+H)418.3.

[0841] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₂₀FN₃O₃: C, 69.06; H, 4.83; N, 10.07. Found: C, 69.33; H, 4.95; N, 9.82.

[0842] Step F—Preparation of 3-Amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0843] Following General Procedure 8-B and using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow foam which was used immediately in Step G.

[0844] Step G—Preparation of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0845] Following General Procedure D using N-Boc-L-alanine and 3-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow solid.

[0846] C₂₄H₂₇FN₄O₄ (MW=454.50); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 455.3.

[0847] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₂₇FN₄O₄: C, 63.42; H, 5.99; N, 12.33. Found: C, 63.34; H, 6.01; N, 12.08.

[0848] Step H—Preparation of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0849] Following General Procedure 8-C using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow foam. The crude material was used immediately.

EXAMPLE 8-K Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0850] Step A—Preparation of 2-Amino-4′-fluorobenzophenone

[0851] A solution of 4-bromofluorobenzene (1 eq.) in THF was cooled to −78° C. under nitrogen and treated with tert-butyllithium (2.05 eq., 1.6 M solution in pentane) at a rate of 40 ml/h. The internal temperature did not rise above −74° C. The orange solution was stirred at −78° C. for 30 minutes prior to the addition of anthranilonitrile (0.6 eq.) as a solution in THF. The reaction was warmed to 0° C. and stirred for 2 hours. 3N HCl was added to the mixture and stirring continued for 30 minutes. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was back-extracted thrice with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via HPLC eluting with 93:7 hexanes/ethyl acetate.

[0852] C₁₃H₁₀FNO (MW=215.24); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 216.3.

[0853] Anal. calcd for C₁₃H₁₀FNO: C, 72.55; H, 4.68; N, 6.51. Found: C, 72.80; H, 4.51; N, 6.74.

[0854] Step B—Preparation of 2-[N-(α-Isopropylthio)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-4′-fluorobenzophenone

[0855] A solution of α-(isopropylthio)-N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)glycine (1 eq; prepared according to Zoller, V.; Ben-Ishai, D. Tetrahedron 1975, 31, 863.) in dry THF was cooled to 0° C. and treated with oxalyl chloride (1 eq.) and 3 drops of DMF. After stirring for 15 minutes at 0° C., the cooling bath was removed and stirring continued at ambient temperature for 40 minutes. The solution was recooled to 0° C. A solution of 2-amino-4′-fluorobenzophenone (0.9 eq.) and 4-methylmorpholine (2.0 eq.) in dry THF was added via cannulation to the acid chloride. The cooling bath was removed and the reaction stirred at ambient for 5 hours. The reaction was diluted with methylene chloride and washed with 0.5 M citric acid, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃, and brine. The organic phase was dried over Na2SO4, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via preparative LC2000 eluting with a gradient of 15→20% ethyl acetate/hexanes giving an off-white foam.

[0856] C₂₆H₂₅N₂O₄S (MW=480.60); mass spectroscopy found (M+NH₄ ⁺) 498.2.

[0857]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) d 11.28 (1H, s), 8.56 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.78−7.73 (2H, m), 7.61−7.53 (2H, m), 7.36−7.32 (5H, m), 7.20−7.14 (3H, m), 5.98 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz), 5.57 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 5.16 (2H, ABq, J=14.7 Hz), 3.25 (1H, sep, J=6.0 Hz), 1.43 (3H, d, J=6.3 Hz), 1.27 (3H, d, J=6.6 Hz).

[0858] Step C—Preparation of 2-[N-(α-Amino)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-4′-fluorobenzophenone

[0859] Ammonia gas was bubbled into a solution 2-[N-(α-isopropylthio)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-3′-fluorobenzophenone (1 eq) in THF at 0° C. After 35 minutes mercury(II) chloride (1.1 eq) was added. The ice bath was removed and ammonia gas was continued to bubble through the suspension for 4 hours. The bubbler was removed and the reaction continued to stir for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered through celite washing with THF. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude solid was used in step D without further purification.

[0860] Step D—Preparation of 3-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0861] 2-[N-(α-Amino)-N′-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-glycinyl]-amino-4′-fluorobenzophenone (1 eq) was treated with glacial acetic acid and ammonium acetate (4.7 eq). The suspension was stirred at ambient temperature for 21 hours. After concentrating the reaction in vacuo, the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 1 N NaOH. The aqueous layer was back-extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified via flash chromatography eluting with a gradient of 2→3% isopropyl alcohol/methylene chloride.

[0862] C₂₃H₁₈FN₃O₃ (MW=403.44); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 404.4.

[0863] Anal. calcd for C₂₃H₁₈FN₃O₃.1.25H₂O: C, 64.85; H, 4.85. Found: C, 64.80; H, 4.55.

[0864] Step E—Preparation of 3-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0865] Following General Procedure 8-A and using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow foam.

[0866] C₂₄H₂₀FN₃O₃ (MW=417.47); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 418.2.

[0867] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₂₀FN₃O₃: C, 69.06; H, 4.83; N, 10.07. Found: C, 69.35; H, 4.93; N, 9.97.

[0868] Step F—Preparation of 3-Amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0869] Following General Procedure 8-B and using 3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow foam which was used immediately in Step G.

[0870] Step G—Preparation of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(4-fluorophenol)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0871] Following General Procedure D using N-Boc-L-alanine and 3-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow solid.

[0872] C₂₄H₂₇FN₄O₄ (MW=454.50); mass spectroscopy found (M+H) 455.4.

[0873] Anal. calcd for C₂₄H₂₇FN₄O₄.1.5H₂O: C, 59.86; H, 6.28; N, 11.64. Found: C, 60.04; H, 5.62; N, 11.27.

[0874] Step H—Preparation of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0875] Following General Procedure 8-C using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, the title intermediate was prepared as a yellow foam. The crude material was used immediately.

EXAMPLE 8-L Synthesis of 3-(N′-L-Alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-isobutyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0876] Step A: 1,3-Dihydro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (prepared according to the procedure of M. G. Bock et al., J. Org. Chem. 1987, 52, 3232-3239) was alkylated with isobutyl iodide using General Procedure 8-G to afford 1,3-dihydro-1-isobutyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one.

[0877] Step B. Following General Procedures 8-D and 8-F and using the product from Step A, 3-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-isobutyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one was prepared.

[0878] Step C: The product from Step B and N-Boc-L-alanine (Sigma) were coupled using General Procedure D, followed by removal of the Boc group using General Procedure 8-J, to afford 3-(N′-L-alaninyl)amino-1,3-dihydro-1-isobutyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one.

[0879] By substituting isopropyl iodide, n-propyl iodide, cyclopropylmethyl iodide and ethyl iodide for isobutyl iodide in Step A above, the following additional intermediates were prepared:

[0880] 3-(N′-L-alaninyl)amino-1,3-dihydro-1-isopropyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0881] 3-(N′-L-alaninyl)amino-1,3-dihydro-1-propyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0882] 3-(N′-L-alaninyl)amino-1,3-dihydro-1-cyclopropylmethyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0883] 3-(N ′-L-alaninyl)amino-1,3-dihydro-1-ethyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one.

EXAMPLE 8-M Synthesis of 3-(N′-L-Alaninyl)amino-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0884] Step A: 1,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-5-phenyl-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one (CAS No. 32900-17-7) was methylated using General Procedure 8-I to afford 1-methyl-5-phenyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one.

[0885] Step B: Following General Procedures 8-E and 8-F and using the product from Step A, 3-amino-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one was prepared.

[0886] Step C: The product from Step B and N-Boc-L-alanine (Sigma) were coupled using General Procedure D, followed by removal of the Boc group using General Procedure 8-N, to afford 3-(N′-L-alaninyl)amino-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one.

EXAMPLE 8-N Synthesis of 3-(N′-L-Alaninyl)amino-2,4-dioxo-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0887] 3-Amino-2,4-dioxo-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine (CAS No. 131604-75-6) was coupled with N-Boc-L-alanine (Sigma) using General Procedure D, followed by removal of the Boc group using General Procedure 8-N, to afford the title compound.

EXAMPLE 8-O Synthesis of 3-((R)-Hydrazinopropionyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0888] 3-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one was coupled to (R)-N,N′-di-BOC-2-hydrazinopropionic acid (Example N) using General Procedure D. Removal of the Boc group using General Procedure 5-B afforded the title compound.

EXAMPLE 8-P Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0889] Step A:—Synthesis of 2,4-Dioxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0890] 2,4-Dioxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine (CAS No. 49799-48-6) was prepared from 1,2-phenylenediamine (Aldrich) and malonic acid (Aldrich) using the procedure of Claremon, D. A.; et al, PCT Application: W096-US8400 960603.

[0891] Step B:—Synthesis of 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0892] 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine (CAS No. 113021-84-4) was prepared following General Procedure 8-M using the product from Step A and 2-iodopropane (Aldrich). Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with EtOAc/hexanes (3:7 gradient to 1:1), then recrystalization from EtOAc/hexanes.

[0893] Step C:—Synthesis of 3-Azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0894] Following General Procedure 8-K using the product from Step B, 3-azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine (CAS No. 186490-50-6) was prepared as a white solid. The product was purified by flash chromatography eluting with hexanes/EtOAc (4:1) to provide a separable 23:1 mixture of pseudo-axial/pseudo-equatorial azides. The pure pseudo-axial azide was used in the next step.

[0895] Step D:—Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0896] Following General Procedure 8-L using the product from Step C, 3-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine (CAS No. 186490-51-7) was prepared as a white solid. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (98:2 gradient to 95:5). The isolated pseudo-axial amine atropisomer was completely converted to the pseudo-equatorial amine atropisomer by heating in toluene to 100-105° C. for 15 minutes, and the pseudo-equatorial amine atropisomer was used in the next step. The isomers were distinguished by ¹H-NMR in CDCl₃. Selected ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): Pseudo-axial amine 4.40 (s, 1H); Pseudo-equatorial amine 3.96 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 8-Q Synthesis of 3-(R-2-Thienylglycinyl)amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0897] Step A:—Synthesis of N-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-R-2-thienylglycine

[0898] N-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-R-2-thienylglycine (CAS No. 74462-03-1) was prepared from L-α-(2-thienyl)glycine (Sigma) by the procedure described in Bodansky, M. et al; The Practice of Peptide Synthesis; Springer Verlag; 1994, p. 17.

[0899] Step B:—Synthesis of 3-[N′-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-R-2-thienylglycinyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0900] Following General Procedure J above using the product from Example 8-P and the product from Step A above, 3-[N′-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-R-2-thienylglycinyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white foam. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (9:1 gradient to 5:1).

[0901] Step C:—Synthesis of 3-(R-2-Thienylglycinyl)amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(1-methylethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0902] Following General Procedure 8-N above using the product from Step B, the title compound was prepared as a white solid.

EXAMPLE 8-R Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0903] Step A:—Synthesis of 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0904] 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine (CAS No. 23954-54-3) was prepared following General Procedure 8-M using the product from Example 8-P, Step A and iodomethane (Aldrich). The white solid product precipitated during partial concentration of the reaction after work-up, and was isolated by filtration.

[0905] Step B:—Synthesis of 3-Azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0906] For this substrate, General Procedure 8-K was modified in the following manner. Initially the product from Step A was suspended (not a solution) in THF at −78° C., and following addition of the KN(TMS)₂ solution, this suspension was allowed to warm to −35° C. over a period of 12 minutes, during which the suspension became a solution, and was re-cooled to −78° C.; then treated as described in the General Procedure. 3-Azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was purified by flash chromatography eluting with CHCl₃/EtOAc (7:1), then trituration from hot CHCl₃ with hexanes and cooled to −23° C. The product was isolated as a white solid.

[0907] Step C:—Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0908] Following General Procedure 8-L using the product from Step B, 3-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white solid. The crude product was used without further purification.

[0909] Step D:—Synthesis of 3-[N′-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0910] Following General Procedure I above using N-Boc-L-alanine (Novabiochem) and the product from Step C, 3-[N -(t-butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white foam. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (2:1 gradient to 1:1).

[0911] Step E:—Synthesis of 3-(L-alaninyl)-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0912] Following General Procedure 8-N above using the product from Step D, the title compound was prepared as an off-white amorphous solid.

EXAMPLE 8-S Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0913] Step A:—Synthesis of 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0914] 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared following General Procedure 8-M using the product from Example 8-P, Step A and 1-iodo-2-methylpropane (Aldrich). Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with EtOAc/hexanes (3:7 gradient to 1:1), then recrystalization from EtOAc/hexanes.

[0915] Step B:—Synthesis of 3-Azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0916] Following General Procedure 8-K (a precipitate,formed during the addition of the KN(TMS)₂, but dissolved upon addition of the trisyl azide) using the product from Step A, 3-azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white solid. The product was purified by flash chromatography eluting with hexanes/EtOAc (4:1) and a second flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/hexanes/EtOAc (10:10:1 gradient to 8:6:1).

[0917] Step C:—Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0918] Following General Procedure 8-L using the product from Step B, 3-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white solid. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (98:2 gradient to 95:5, with 5% NH₃ in the MeOH).

[0919] Step D:—Synthesis of 3-[N′-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0920] Following General Procedure I above using N-Boc-L-alanine (Novabiochem) and the product from Step C, 3-[N′-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white foam. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (3:1 gradient to 3:2).

[0921] Step E:—Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0922] Following General Procedure 8-N above using the product from Step D, the title compound was prepared as an amorphous white solid.

EXAMPLE 8-T Synthesis of 3-(S-Phenylglycinyl)amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0923] Step A:—Synthesis of 3-[N′-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-S-phenylglycinyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0924] Following General Procedure J above using the product from Example 8-S, Step C and the Boc-L-phenylglycine (Novabiochem, CAS No. 2900-27-8), 3-[N′-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-S-phenylglycinyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white foam. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (9:1 gradient to 5:1).

[0925] Step B:—Synthesis of 3-(S-Phenylglycinyl)-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0926] Following General Procedure 8-N above using the product from Step A, 3-(S-phenylglycinyl)-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine hydrochloride was prepared as an off-white solid.

EXAMPLE 8-U Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0927] Step A:—Synthesis of 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0928] 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared following General Procedure 8-M using the product from Example 8-P, Step A, and (bromomethyl)cyclopropane (Lancaster). Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with EtOAc/hexanes (3:7 gradient to straight EtOAc), then recrystalization from EtOAc/hexanes.

[0929] Step B:—Synthesis of 3-Azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0930] For this substrate General Procedure 8-K was modified in the following manner. Initially the product from Step A was suspended (not a solution) in THF at −78° C., and following addition of the KN(TMS)₂ solution, this suspension was allowed to warm to −30° C., during which the suspension became a solution, and was re-cooled to −78° C. Upon re-cooling to −78° C. a precipitate began to form, therefore the reaction flask containing the mixture was partially raised above the cooling bath until the internal temperature rose to −50° C.; then the trisyl azide solution was added. The cooling bath was removed and the mixture allowed to warm to −20° C. whereupon the mixture had become a nearly homogenous solution, and the AcOH was added. Then, treated as described in the general procedure. 3-Azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was purified by trituration with hot to room temperature EtOAc, followed by recrystalization from hot to −23° C. CHCl₃/EtOAc/EtOH (5:5:1) and isolated as a white solid.

[0931] Step C:—Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0932] Following General Procedure 8-L using the product from Step B, 3-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white solid. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (98:2 gradient to 95:5, with 5% NH₃ in the MeOH) followed by recrystalization from warm CH₂Cl₂/hexanes (1:1) to −23° C.

[0933] Step D:—Synthesis of 3-[N′-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0934] Following General Procedure I above using N-Boc-L-alanine (Novabiochem) and the product from Step C, 3-[N′-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white foam Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (3:1 gradient to 2:1).

[0935] Step E:—Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0936] Following General Procedure 8-N above using the product from Step D, the title compound was prepared as an off-white solid.

EXAMPLE 8-V Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0937] Step A:—Synthesis of 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0938] To a stirred suspension of the product from Example 8-P, Step A (1.0 eq., 17.08 g) in DMSO (500 mL) at room temperature was added neopentyl iodide (43.01 g, 2.24 eq., Aldrich) and Cs₂CO₃ (72.65 g, 2.3 eq., Aldrich). The resulting mixture was heated to 75° C. for 30 minutes, then additional CS₂CO₃ (31.59 g, 1.0 eq.) was added and the mixture rapidly stirred at 75° C. for 6 hours. The mixture was allowed to cool and H₂O (500 mL) and EtOAc (1000 mL) were added. The phases were partitioned and the organic phase washed with H₂O (1×500 mL), 1 M aq. HCl (2×500 mL), and brine (1×500 mL). Then, the organic phase was dried over MgSO₄, filtered, concentrated, and purified by flash chromatography eluting with hexanes/EtOAc (3:2 gradient to 2:3) to provide 2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- 1 H- 1,5-benzodiazepine as a white solid.

[0939] Step B:—Synthesis of 3-Azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0940] Following General Procedure 8-K using the product from Step A, 3-azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white solid. The product was purified by flash chromatography eluting with hexanes/CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (10:5:1 gradient to 5:5:1) to provide a separable 13:1 mixture of pseudo-axial/pseudo-equatorial azides. The pure pseudo-axial azide was used in the next step. Selected ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): Pseudo-axial azide 5.12 (s, 1H); Pseudo-equatorial azide 4.03 (s, 1H).

[0941] Step C:—Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0942] Following General Procedure 8-L using the product from Step B, 3-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white solid. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (98:2 gradient to 95:5, with 5% NH₃ in the MeOH). The isolated white solid product was identified as a ˜4:1 mixture of pseudo-axial and pseudo-equatorial amines atropisomers by ¹H-NMR. The mixture was heated in toluene to 100° C. for 20 minutes, then re-concentrated to provide the pure pseudo-equatorial amine atropisomer, as a white solid, and this was for the next step. Selected ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): Pseudo-axial amine 4.59 (s, 1H); Pseudo-equatorial amine 4.03 (s, 1H).

[0943] Step D:—Synthesis of 3-[N′-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0944] Following General Procedure I above using N-Boc-L-alanine (Novabiochem) and the product from Step C, 3-[N′-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white foam. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (4:1 gradient to 5:2).

[0945] Step E:—Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0946] Following General Procedure 8-N above using the product from Step D, the title compound was prepared as an off-white solid.

EXAMPLE 8-W Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine hydrochloride

[0947] Step A:—Synthesis of 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0948] This procedure is a modification of the procedure described in Chan, D. M. T. Tetrahedron Lett. 1996, 37, 9013-9016. A mixture of the product from Example 8-P, Step A (1.0 eq., 7.50 g), Ph₃Bi (2.2 eq., 41.26 g, Aldrich), Cu(OAc)₂ (2.0 eq., 15.48 g, Aldrich), Et₃N (2.0 eq., 8.62 g) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was stirred under N₂ at room temperature for 6 days (monitoring by TLC). The solids were removed by filtration through a plug of Celite rinsing with CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (3×75 mL). The filtrate was concentrated, dissolved in hot CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (9:1) and filtered through a large plug of silica gel eluting with CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (9:1, 2L). The filtrate was concentrated and the residue purified by flash chromatography eluting with straight CH₂Cl₂ gradient to CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (9:1). 2,4-Dioxo-1,5-bis-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine crystallized during concentration of the fractions containing the product, and was isolated by filtration as a white solid.

[0949] Step B:—Synthesis of 3-Azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0950] For this substrate, General Procedure 8-K was modified in the following manner. Initially the product from Step A was suspended (not a solution) in THF at −70° C., and following addition of the KN(TMS)₂ solution, this suspension was allowed to warm to −20° C. over a period of 10 minutes, during which the suspension became a solution, and was re-cooled to −70° C.; then treated as described in the general procedure. The title compound was purified by trituration with hot CHCl₃/hexanes (1:1) to yield 3-azido-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine as a white solid.

[0951] Step C:—Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0952] Following General Procedure 8-L using the product from Step B, 3-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white solid. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (98:2 gradient to 95:5, with 5% NH₃ in the MeOH).

[0953] Step D:—Synthesis of 3-[N′-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0954] Following General Procedure I above using N-Boc-L-alanine (Novabiochem) and the product from Step C, 3-[N′-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared as a white foam. Purification was by flash chromatography eluting with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (4:1 gradient to 3:1).

[0955] Step E:—Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Hydrochloride

[0956] Following General Procedure 8-N above using the product from Step D, the title compound was prepared as a white amorphous solid.

EXAMPLE 8-X Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0957] Following the method of R. G. Sherrill et al., J. Org. Chem., 1995, 60, 730-734 and using glacial acetic acid and HBr gas, the title compound was prepared.

EXAMPLE 8-Y Synthesis of 3-(L-Valinyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0958] Step A—Synthesis of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-valinyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0959] (S)-3-Amino-1,3-dihydro-1 -methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, (1S)-7,7-dimethyl-2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-methanesulfonate (Example 8-B, Step A) was free based by partitioning between methylene chloride and 1M potassium carbonate. The free amine was then coupled with N-Boc-valine following General Procedure D to give the title compound.

[0960] C₂₆H₃₂N₄O₄(MW 464.62); mass spectroscopy 464.3.

[0961] Anal. Calcd for C₂₆H₃₂N₄O₄: C, 67.22; H, 6.94; N, 12.06. Found: C, 67.29; H, 6.79; N, 11.20.

[0962] Step B—Synthesis of 3-(L-valinyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0963] Following General Procedure 8-C and using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-L-alaninyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one, the title compound was prepared as a white foam.

[0964] C₂₁H₂₃N₄O₂(MW 363.48); mass spectroscopy (M+H) 364.2.

EXAMPLE 8-Z Synthesis of 3-(L-tert-Leucinyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0965] Step A—Synthesis of 3-[N′-(tert-Butylcarbamate)-L-tert-leucinyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0966] (S)-3-amino-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, (1S)-7,7-dimethyl-2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-methanesulfonate (Example 8-B, Step A) was free based by partitioning between methylene chloride and 1M potassium carbonate. The free amine was then coupled with N-Boc-tert-leucine following General Procedure D to give the title compound.

[0967] C₂₇H₃₅N₄O₄(MW 479.66); mass spectroscopy 479.

[0968] Step B—Synthesis of 3-(L-tert-Leucinyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0969] Following General Procedure 8-C and using 3-[N′-(tert-butylcarbamate)-L-tert-leucinyl]-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one, the title compound was prepared as a white foam.

[0970] Anal. Calcd for C₂₂H₂₅N₄O₂.0.5H₂O: C, 68.19; H, 7.02; N, 14.40. Found: C, 68.24; H, 7.00; N, 14.00.

EXAMPLE 8-AA Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine

[0971] 2,3-Dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine was prepared following General Procedures 8-I (using methyl iodide), 8-D and 8-F. Coupling of this intermediate with Boc-L-alanine (Novo) using General Procedure D, followed by deprotection using General Procedure 5-B afforded the title compound which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 8-AB Synthesis of 3-(L-3-Thienylglycinyl)amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0972] Step A:—Synthesis of N-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-3-thienylglycine N-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-3-thienylglycine was prepared from L-α-(3-thienyl)glycine (Sigma) by the procedure described in Bodansky, M. et al; The Practice of Peptide Synthesis; Springer Verlag; 1994, p.17.

[0973] Step B:—Synthesis of 3-[N′-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-3-thienylglycinyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0974] Following General Procedure D above using the product from Example 8-V, Step C and the product from Step A above, 3-[N′-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-L-3-thienylglycinyl]-amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine was prepared.

[0975] Step C:—Synthesis of 3-(L-3-Thienylglycinyl)amino-2,4-dioxo-1,5-bis-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine

[0976] Following General Procedure 8-N above using the product from Step B, the title compound was prepared.

[0977] Using the following procedures, the following additional intermediates can be prepared for use in this invention.

GENERAL PROCEDURE C-H

[0978] The intermediates shown in Table C-1 were synthesized in parallel in using the following procedure:

[0979] Step A: To a solution of 3-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (CA No. 125:33692: 100 mg, 0.28 mmol) in 1 mL of anhydrous DMF was added 600 uL of a solution of 0.5 M potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (0.30 mmol) in toluene. Neat alkyl halide (0.56 mmol; as indicated in Table C-1) was added immediately in one portion and the reaction mixture was left undisturbed overnight. When an alkyl chloride was used, 1 equivalent of sodium iodide was added to the reaction mixture. After concentration under reduced pressure, the crude reaction residue was partitioned between methylene chloride (2 mL) and aqueous saturated bicarbonate (2 mL) and then passed through a 5 g Extralut QE cartridge (EM Science; Gibbstown, N.J.) using 10 mL of methylene chloride. The resulting filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the crude product was further purified using automated semi-preparative HPLC (YMC 20×50 mm Silica column; gradient elution; 0-5% (5.5 min.), 5-20% (3.5 min.), 20-100% (2 min.), 100% (4 min.) ethyl acetate/methylene chloride, flow rate of 25 mL/min.). Product provided the expected M+1 peak by IEX MS and were carried on without further purification and characterization.

[0980] Step B: The product obtained from Step A was dissolved in 5 mL of a 15% TFA/methylene chloride solution and allowed to stand undisturbed for 16 h. After concentration under reduced pressure, the TFA salt was dissolved in methanol and loaded directly onto a 1 g SCX column. The column was washed 3× with 2 mL portions of methanol and the product was eluted from the column using 6 mL of 2.0 M solution of ammonia/methanol. After concentration under reduced pressure, the product were characterized by IEX MS and carried on without further purification.

[0981] Step C: To the crude product obtained from Step B (1.05 equiv.) was added sequentially a 0.3 mM stock solution of HOBt.H₂O (1.05 equiv.) in DMF, a 0.3 mM stock solution of N-t-BOC-L-alanine (1.0 equiv.) in THF and 0.3 mM stock solution of 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide (1.05 equiv.) in THF. After standing undisturbed for 24 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue redissolved in 2 mL of a 10% methanol/methylene chloride solution. This solution was then filtered through a pre-washed (methanol) 1 g SCX (Varian Sample Preparation) column using an additional 8 mL of the same solvent. For Example C-V a 1 g Si column (Varian Sample Preparation) was used). The filtrate was concentrated under a stream of nitrogen to approximately ⅓ its original volume and then passed over a plug (500 mg) of AG 1-8x anion exchange resin (BioRad; Hercules, Calif.; Columns were pre-washed with 1N NaOH, water and methanol) using an additional 10 mL of methanol. The resulting filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the crude product was carried on without further purification after characterization by IEX MS.

[0982] Step D: The crude product obtained from Step C was dissolved in 5 mL of a 15% TFA/methylene chloride solution and allowed to stand undisturbed for 16 h. After concentration under reduced pressure, the TFA salt was dissolved in methanol and loaded directly onto a 1 g SCX column. The column was washed 3× with 2 mL portions of methanol and the product were eluted from the column using 6 mL of 2.0 M solution of ammonia/methanol. After concentration under reduced pressure, the product were characterized by IEX MS and carried on without further purification. The intermediates prepared by this method are shown in Table C-A. TABLE C-A Intermediates Ex. Alkyl Halide Intermediate MS C-A 3-Fluorobenzyl bromide 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 431.1 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(3-fluorobenzyl)-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-B Benzyl bromide 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 513.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(benzyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-C tert-Butylbenzyl bromide 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 469.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(4-tert-butylbenzyl)- 1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-D 2-Bromoethylcyclohexane 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 433.2 (Fairfield) dihydro-1-(2-cyclohexylethyl)-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-E 1-Bromo-3,3-dimethylbutane 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 407.2 (Wiley) dihydro-1-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-F Methyl alpha- 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 471.2 bromophenylacetate dihydro-1-(1-methoxycarbonyl-1- (Aldrich) phenylmethyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-G 1-Bromo-2-ethylbutane 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 407.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(2-ethylbutyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-H Bromomethylcyclohexane 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 419.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-I 2-(Bromoethyl)benzene 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 427.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(2-phenylethyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-J 3-(Bromopropyl)benzene 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 441.2 (K and K Laboratories) dihydro-1-(3-phenylpropyl)-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-K N-(2-Bromoethyl)phthalimide 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 496.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(2-(N- phthalimidyl)ethyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-L 2-Phenylbenzyl bromide 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 489.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(2-biphenylmethyl)-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-M Tetrahydrofurfuryl bromide 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 407.2 (Lancaster) dihydro-1-((2- tetrahydrofuranyl)methyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-N 2-Bromomethyl-1,4- 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 471.2 benzodioxane dihydro-1-(2-(1,4- (Acros) benzodioxanyl)methyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-O 3-Bromomethyl-5- 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 503.1 chlorobenzo[b]thiophene dihydro-1-((3-(5-chlorobenzo[b] (Maybridge) thienyl))methyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-P 1-Bromopinacolone 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 421.1 (Lancaster) dihydro-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxo- propyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2- one C-Q 5-(Bromomethyl)benzo- 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 455.2 furazan dihydro-1-(5- (Maybridge) benzofurazanylmethyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-R 3-Phenoxypropyl bromide 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 457.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-S 6-(Bromomethyl)-2- 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 533.2 (trifluoromethyl)quinoline dihydro-1-(6-(2- (Maybridge) trifluoromethylquinolinyl)methyl)- 1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-T 1-Bromo-2-methylbutane 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 393.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(2-methylbutyl)-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-U Ethyl bromide 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 351.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(ethyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-V 3-Picolyl chloride 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 414.1 hydrochloride dihydro-1-(3-pyridylmethyl)-1H- (Aldrich) 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one C-W 1-(2-Chloroacetyl)indoline 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 482.2 (Maybridge) dihydro-1-(2-oxo-2-(N- indolinyl)ethyl)-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one C-Y 4-(Chloromethyl)-3,5- 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 432.2 dimethylisoxazole dihydro-1-((4-(3,5- (Aldrich) dimethyl)isoxazolyl)methyl)-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one. C-Z 2-Bromoethyl methyl ether 3-(L-alaninyl)amino-5-phenyl-2,3- 381.2 (Aldrich) dihydro-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

EXAMPLE C-AA Synthesis of (S)-3-(L-phenylglycinyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0983] Step A: Synthesis of (S)-3-(N′-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-phenylglycinyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0984] To a solution of triethyl amine (519 uL, 3.8 mmol) and (S)-3-amino-5-phenyl-2-oxo-1,4-benzodiazepine (1.0 g, 3.8 mmol) (prepared according to the procedure of M. G. Bock et al., J. Org. Chem. 1987, 52, 3232-3239) in 100 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride at −20° C. was added N-Boc-L-phenylglycine fluoride (Carpino et al, J. Org. Chem. 1991, 56, 2611-2614) in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 min. and quenched with saturated aqueous bicarbonate (10 mL). The layers were seperated, the organic layer washed sequentially with saturated aqueous bicarbonate, water and brine and then dried over sodium sulfate. Purification of the crude product using silica gel chromatography (10-50% ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 1.3 g (69%) of a hygroscopic white foam.

[0985] NMR data was as follows:

[0986]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=1.35 (br s, 9H), 3.41 (s, 3H), 5.30-5.45 (m, 2H), 5.75-5.95 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.75 (m, 15H).

[0987] IR (CDCl₃): 1709.7, 1676.6, 1489, 1166.3 cm⁻¹.

[0988] IEX MS (M+1): 498.0.

[0989] Step B: Synthesis of (S)-3-(L-phenylglycinyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0990] (S)-3-(N′-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-phenylglycinyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (1.27 g, 2.55 mmol) was added to 50 mL of a stirring solution of 15% TFA in methylene chloride in one portion. After stirring 1 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in 100 mL of methylene chloride. This solution was washed twice with saturated sodium bicarbonate, once with brine and then dried over sodium sulfate. Purification of the crude product using silica gel column chromatography (5-10% methanol/methylene chloride) gave 743 mg (73%) of a very light green foam.

[0991] NMR data was as follows:

[0992]¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ=2.05 (br s, 1H), 3.45 (s, 3H), 5.51 (d,J=8.39 Hz, 1H), 7.15-7.70 (m, 14H), 8.60 (d,J=830 Hz, 1H).

[0993] IR (CDCl₃): 1673.3, 1601.1, 1506.1 cm⁻¹.

[0994] IEX MS (M+1): 399.2.

EXAMPLE C-AB Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0995] Step A: Synthesis of 3-(Benzoxycarbonyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[0996] To a solution of 3-(Benzoxycarbonyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (Bock, M. G. et al, Tetrahedron Lett. 1987, 28, 939; 4.0 g, 10.4 mmol) in 40 mL of anhydrous DMF at 0° C. was added potassium tert-butoxide (1.51 g, 13.5 mmol) in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred 20 min. and α-bromoacetophenone (Lancaster; Windham, N.H.; 2.9 g, 14.6 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature over 30 min. and then diluted with 100 mL of water and 200 mL of methylene chloride. The layers were separated. The organic layer was extracted with water and dried over sodium sulfate. Purification of the crude product by silica gel column chromatography (0-5% ethyl acetate/methylene chloride) gave 4.2 g (81%) of an off white foam.

[0997] NMR data was as follows:

[0998]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=5.16 (s, 2H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 5.50 (d,J=8.33 Hz, 1H), 6.70 (d,J=8.28 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.70 (m, 12H), 7.91 (d,J=7.54 Hz, 2H).

[0999] IR (CHCl₃): 1706.04, 1685.3, 1505.9, 1489.1, 1450.3, 1244.7 cm⁻¹.

[1000] IEX MS (M+1): 504.3.

[1001] Step B: Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1002] A solution of 3-(Benzoxycarbonyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (3.7 g, 7.36 mmol) in 100 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride was cooled to 0° C. under nitrogen. A stream of anhydrous HBr gas was then bubbled through this solution for 1 h. The bubbler was removed and the reaction was warmed to room temperature under nitrogen. After stirring 1 h the reaction was concentrated under vacuum and the residue was redissolved in 20 mL of methylene chloride. The crude HBr salt of the product was precipitated from solution using 300 mL of anhydrous ether and collected by filtration as a light yellow solid. After washing with ether, the solid was dissolved in methylene chloride and saturated sodium bicarbonate. The layers were separated and the organic layer was extracted with saturated sodium bicarbonate. The combined aqueous layers were then back extracted twice with methylene chloride. The combined organic layers were extracted once with water and dried over sodium sulfate. After concentration under vacuum, 2.27 g of the product was obtained as an orange foam which was carried on without further purification.

[1003] NMR data was as follows:

[1004]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=2.60 (br s, 2H), 4.72 (s, 1H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 7.10-7.70 (m, 12H), 7.91 (d,J=7.60 Hz, 2H).

[1005] IEX MS (M+1): 370.2

[1006] Step C: Synthesis of 3-(N′-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1007] To a solution of HOBt-H₂O (697 mg, 5.16 mmol), N,N-diisopropylethylamine (900 uL, 5.16 mmol) and N-t-BOC-L-alanine (975 mg, 5.16 mmol) in 20 mL of anhydrous THF at 0° C. was added 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDCI; 986 mg, 5.16 mmol) in one portion. After stirring 5 min., a solution of 3-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (2.0 g, 5.43 mmol) in 20 mL of anhydrous THF was added via syringe and the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with 200 mL methylene chloride, extracted sequentially with 10% citric acid, saturated sodium bicarbonate, water and brine and then dried over sodium sulfate. Purification of the crude product using silica gel chromatography (10%-30% ethyl acetate/methylene chloride) gave 2.59 g (93%) of a white foam.

[1008] NMR data was as follows:

[1009]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=1.30-1.60 (m, 12H), 4.35 (br s, 1H), 5.00-5.50 (m, 3H), 5.65-5.70 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.65 (m, 12H), 7.70-7.80 (m, 1H), 7.85-7.95 (m, 1H).

[1010] IR (CHCl₃): 1705.8, 1678.8, 1488.7, 1450.2, 1230.4, 1164.4 cm⁻¹.

[1011] IEX MS (M+1): 541.2.

[1012] Step D: Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1013] 3-(N′-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (2.5 g, 4.63 mmol) was added to 100 mL of a stirring solution of 15% TFA/methylene chloride in one portion. After stirring 2 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in 150 mL of methylene chloride. This solution was washed twice with saturated sodium bicarbonate, once with brine and then dried over sodium sulfate. Purification of the crude product using silica gel column chromatography (1-10% methanol/methylene chloride) gave 1.91 g (94%) of the title compound as a white foam.

[1014] NMR data was as follows:

[1015]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=1.30-1.50 (m, 3H), 1.80-2.20 (br s, 2H), 3.55-3.75 (m, 1H), 5.20-5.45 (m, 2H), 5.67 (t,J=7.48 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.65 (m, 12H), 7.90 (d,J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 8.80 (dd,J₁=25.09 Hz, J₂=8.33 Hz, 1H).

[1016] EX MS (M+1): 441.2.

EXAMPLE C-AC Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1017] Step A: Synthesis of 3-(Benzoxycarbonyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1018] To a solution of 3-(benzoxycarbonyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (3.7 g, 9.61 mmol) in 40 mL of anhydrous DMF at 0° C. was added potassium tert-butoxide (1.6 g, 14.4 mmol) in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred 20 min. and 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-bromobutane (Lancaster; Windham, N.H.; 2.6 g, 13.4 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature over 30 min. and then diluted with 100 mL of water and 200 mL of methylene chloride. The layers were separated. The organic layer was extracted with water and dried over sodium sulfate. Purification of the crude product by silica gel column chromatography (0-3% ethyl acetate/methylene chloride) gave 1.52 g (32%) of an off white foam.

[1019] NMR data was as follows:

[1020]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=1.50-2.10 (m, 4H), 3.70-3.90 (m, 1H), 4.35-4.55 (m, 1H), 5.15 (s, 2H), 5.33 (d,J=8.47 Hz, 1H), 6.67 (d,J=8.40 Hz, 1H), 7.2-7.70 (m, 14H).

[1021] IR (CHCl₃): 1720.4, 1683.0, 1604.8, 1505.5, 1451.1, 1323.9, 1254.5, 1148.4 cm⁻¹.

[1022] IEX MS (M+1): 496.3.

[1023] Step B: Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1024] A solution of 3-(benzoxycarbonyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (1.42 g, 2.87 mmol) in 50 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride was cooled to 0° C. under nitrogen. A stream of anhydrous HBr gas was slowly bubbled through the solution for 1 h. The bubbler was removed and the reaction was warmed to room temperature under nitrogen. After stirring for 1 h, the reaction was concentrated under vacuum and the residue was redissolved in 10 mL of methylene chloride. The crude HBr salt of the product was precipitated from solution using 90 mL of anhydrous ether and collected by filtration. After washing with ether, the HBr salt was dissolved in methylene chloride and saturated sodium bicarbonate. The layers were separated and the organic layer was extracted with saturated sodium bicarbonate. The combined aqueous layers were then back extracted twice with methylene chloride. The combined organic layers were extracted once with water and dried over sodium sulfate. After concentration under vacuum, 1.06 g (100%) of the product was obtained as a white foam which was carried on without further purification.

[1025] NMR data was as follows:

[1026]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=1.60-2.10 (m, 4H), 2.76 (br s, 2H), 3.75-3.85 (m, 1H), 4.40-4.60 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.70 (m, 9H).

[1027] IEX MS (M+1): 362.1.

[1028] Step C: Synthesis of 3-(N′-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1029] To a solution of HOBt-H₂O (373 mg, 2.76 mmol), N,N-diisopropylethylamine (481 uL, 2.76 mmol) and N-t-BOC-L-alanine (522 mg, 2.76 mmol) in 10 mL of anhydrous THF at 0° C. was added 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDCI; 527 mg, 2.76 mmol) in one portion. After stirring 5 min., a solution of 3-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (1.05 g, 2.91 mmol) in 10 mL of anhydrous THF was added via syringe and the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with 100 mL methylene chloride, extracted sequentially with 10% citric acid, saturated sodium bicarbonate, water and brine and then dried over sodium sulfate. Purification of the crude product using silica gel chromatography (10%-30% ethyl acetate/methylene chloride) gave 1.28 g (83%) of a white foam.

[1030] NMR data was as follows:

[1031]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=1.40-2.10 (m, 16H), 3.70-3.85 (m, 1H), 4.30-4.55 (m, 2H), 5.10 (br s, 1H), 5.45-5.55 (m, 1H), 7.25-7.80 (m, 10H).

[1032] IR (CDCl₃): 1676.6, 1605.2, 1488.6, 1450.9, 1393.2, 1338.7, 1324.9, 1253.8, 1150.4 cm⁻¹.

[1033] IEX MS (M+1): 533.1.

[1034] Step D: Synthesis of 3-(L-Alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1035] 3-(N′-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-alaninyl)amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (1.21 g, 2.27 mmol) was added to 50 mL of a stirring solution of 15% TFA/methylene chloride in one portion. After stirring 2 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in 100 mL of methylene chloride. This solution was washed twice with saturated sodium bicarbonate, once with brine and then dried over sodium sulfate. Purification of the crude product using silica gel column chromatography (1-5% methanol/methylene chloride) gave 670 mg (68%) of a light pink foam.

[1036] NMR data was as follows:

[1037]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=1.43 (t,J=7.0 Hz, 3H), 1.60-2.20 (m, 7H), 3.60-3.85 (m, 2H), 4.35-4.55 (m, 1H), 5.51 (dd,J₁=8.36 Hz, J₂=2.48 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.70 (m, 9H), 8.80 (dd,J₁=27.73 Hz, J₂=8.34 Hz, 1H).

[1038] IEX MS (M+1): 433.2.

EXAMPLE C-AE Synthesis of 3-[(L-Alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1039] Step A: Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1040] The title compound was synthesized as described in Synth. Commun., 26(4), 721-727 (1996).

[1041] Step B: Synthesis of 3-[(N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-L-alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1042] A solution of L-Boc-alanine (1.74 g, 9.20 mmol), HOBt monohydrate (1.24 g, 9.20 mmol), diisopropylethylamime (1.6 mL, 9.20 mmol) and CH₂Cl₂ (30 mL) was purged with nitrogen and cooled in an ice bath. To the cold solution was added 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodimide hydrochloride (1.76 g, 9.20 mmol) followed by a solution of 3-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (2.45 g, 9.20 mmol) dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL). The cold bath was removed and the solution stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was extracted with H₂O, 0.1 N aq. citric acid, 5% aq. NaHCO₃, and brine. The remaining CH₂Cl₂ solution was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to a tan foam. The title compound was crystallized from CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc to give 3.47 g (86% yield) of white crystals, mp. 228-229° C.

[1043] Anal. Calcd for C₂₃H₂₇N₅O₄: C, 63.14; H, 6.22; N, 16.01. Found: C, 63.25; H, 6.15; N, 15.95. MS (FD⁺) 437 m/z.

[1044] Step C: Synthesis of 3-[(L-Alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1045] A solution of 3-[(N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (3.42 g, 7.82 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (90 mL) was cooled in an ice bath and treated with TFA (13.2 mL, 172 mmol). The cold bath was removed and the solution stirred at room temperature for four hours. The reaction mixture was washed with 1 M aq. K₂CO₃ and the aqueous back-extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined extracts were washed with H₂O, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to obtain 1.75 g (66% yield) of the title compound as an off-white foam. MS (IS⁺) 338 (m/e).

[1046]¹HNMR (CDCl₃): δ=8.76-8.86 (1H, m), 8.63 (1H, m), 8.17 (1H, m), 7.82 (2H, m), 7.60 (1H, m), 7.41 (3H, m), 5.60 (1H, m), 3.63 (1H, m), 3.49 (3H, s), 1.66 (2H, broad), 1.45 (3H, m).

EXAMPLE C-AF Synthesis of 3-[(L-Alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-N,N-diethylaminoethyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1047] Step A: Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-N,N-diethylaminoethyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1048] The title compound was synthesized as described in Synth. Commun., 26(4), 721-727 (1996).

[1049] Step B: Synthesis of 3-[(N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-L-alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-N,N-diethylaminoethyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1050] A solution of L-Boc-alanine (1.80 g, 9.50 mmol), HOBt monohydrate (1.28 g, 9.50 mmol), diisopropylethylamime (1.65 mL, 9.50 mmol) and CH₂Cl₂ (40 mL) was purged with nitrogen and cooled in an ice bath. To the cold solution was added 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodimide hydrochloride (1.82 g, 9.50 mmol) followed by a solution of 3-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-N,N-diethylaminoethyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (3.34 g, 9.50 mmol) dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (25 mL). The cold bath was removed and the solution stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was extracted with H₂O, 5% aq. NaHCO₃, and brine. The remaining CH₂Cl₂ solution was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to a tan foam. The title compound was isolated via column chromatography (2% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ to 10% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) to give 3.53 g (71% yield) of yellow foam.

[1051] MS (FD⁺) 522 (m/z).

[1052]¹HNMR (CDCl₃): δ=8.62 (1H, d), 8.11 (1H, m), 7.80 (2H, m), 7.59 (2H, m), 7.32-7.45 (2H, m), 5.54 (1H, m), 5.02-5.18 (1H, m), 4.38 (1H, m), 4.20 (1H, m), 3.83 (1H, m), 2.62 (2H, t), 2.44 (4H, m), 1.40-1.56 (12H, m), 0.88 (6H, m).

[1053] Step C: Synthesis of 3-[(L-Alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-N,N-diethylaminoethyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1054] The title compound was synthesized using the procedure described in Example C-AE, Step C. A solution of 3-[(N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-(2-N,N-diethylaminoethyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (3.52 g, 6.73 mmol) was treated with TFA (11.4 mL, 148 mmol) to give 2.61 g (92% yield) the title compound as a light yellow foam.

[1055] MS (IS⁺) 423 (m/e).

[1056]¹HNMR (CDCl₃): δ=8.78-8.93 (1H, m), 8.62 (1H, d), 8.11 (1H, m), 7.80 (2H, m), 7.58 (2H, m), 7.39 (2H, m), 5.58 (1H, m), 4.22 (1H, m), 3.88 (1H, m), 3.61 (1H, m), 2.67 (2H, t), 2.49 (4H, m), 1.73 (2H, broad), 1.42 (3H, m), 0.91 (6H, m).

EXAMPLE C-AG Synthesis of 3-[(L-Alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1057] Step A: Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1058] The title compound was synthesized as described in Synth. Commun., 26(4), 721-727 (1996).

[1059] Step B: Synthesis of 3-[(N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-L-alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1060] A solution of L-Boc-alanine (1.57 g, 8.33 mmol), HOBt monohydrate (1.13 g, 8.33 mmol), diisopropylethylamime (1.45 mL, 8.33 mmol) and CH₂Cl₂ (40 mL) was purged with nitrogen and cooled in an ice bath. To the cold solution was added 1-(3 -dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodimide hydrochloride (1.60 g, 8.33 mmol) followed by a solution of 3-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (2.92 g, 8.33 mmol) dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (25 mL). The cold bath was removed and the solution stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was extracted with H₂O, 0.1 N aq. citric acid, 5% aq. NaHCO₃, and brine. The remaining CH₂Cl₂ solution was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to a yellow foam. The title compound was isolated via column chromatography (20% EtOAc/hexanes to 60% EtOAc/hexanes) to give 4.19 g (96% yield) of light yellow foam.

[1061] MS (FD⁺) 521 (m/z).

[1062]¹HNMR (CDCl₃): δ=8.65 (1H, t), 8.17 (1H, t), 7.90 (1H, t), 7.71-7.85 (1H, m), 7.54 (1H, m), 7.44 (1H, t), 7.37 (1H, d), 7.24-7.32 (1H, m), 7.14 (1H, m), 5.67 (1H, dd), 5.18 (1H, broad), 4.93-5.07 (1H, m), 4.50-4.64 (1H, m), 4.38 (1H, broad), 1.42-1.51 (12H, m), 1.26 (9H, d).

[1063] Step C: Synthesis of 3-[(L-Alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1064] The title compound was synthesized using the procedure described in Example C-AE, Step C. A solution of 3-[(N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-alaninyl)amino]-2,3 -dihydro-1-(3,3 -dimethyl-2-oxobutyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (4.18 g, 8.01 mmol) was treated with TFA (13.6 mL, 176 mmol) to give 3.14 g (93% yield) the title compound as an off-white foam.

[1065] MS (IS⁺) 422 (m/e).

[1066]¹HNMR (CDCl₃)δ8.85-8.99 (1H, m), 8.68 (1H, d), 8.20 (1H, t), 7.87 (1H, t), 7.58 (1H, t), 7.42 (2H, m), 7.30 (1H, t), 7.17 (1H, d), 5.72 (1H, m), 5.08 (1H, d), 4.60 (1H, d), 3.66 (1H, m), 1.47 (3H, m), 1.28 (9H, m).

EXAMPLE C-AH Synthesis of 3-[(L-Alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-thiazyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1067] Step A: Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-thiazyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1068] The title compound was synthesized in a manner similar to the procedure described in Synth. Commun., 26(4), 721-727 (1996), starting with 2-(2-aminobenzoyl)thiazole (prepared as described in Tetrahedron, 51(3), 773-786, (1995)).

[1069] MS (IS⁺) 273 (m/e).

[1070]¹HNMR (CDCl₃): δ=7.83-7.94 (2H, m), 7.61 (1H, t), 7.50 (1H, d), 7.34 (2H, m), 4.60 (1H, s), 3.46 (3H, s), 1.97 (2H, broad).

[1071] Step B: Synthesis of 3-[(N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-L-alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-thiazyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1072] A solution of L-Boc-alanine (1.85 g, 9.77 mmol), HOBt monohydrate (1.32 g, 9.77 mmol), diisopropylethylamime (1.70 mL, 9.77 mmol) and CH₂Cl₂ (30 mL) was purged with nitrogen and cooled in an ice bath. To the cold solution was added 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodimide hydrochloride (1.87 g, 9.77 mmol) followed by a solution of 3-amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-thiazyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (2.66 g, 9.77 mmol) dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL). The cold bath was removed and the solution stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was extracted with H₂O, 0.1 N aq. citric acid, 5% aq. NaHCO₃, and brine. The remaining CH₂Cl₂ solution was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to a light yellow foam. The title compound was crystallized from EtOAc/hexane to give 3.22 g (74% yield) of white crystals, mp. 196-197° C. Anal. Calcd for C₂₁H₂₅N₅O₄S: C, 56.87; H, 5.68; N, 15.79. Found: C, 56.74; H, 5.75; N, 15.55.

[1073] MS (IS⁺) 444 m/e.

[1074] Step C: Synthesis of 3-[(L-Alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-thiazyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1075] The title compound was synthesized using the procedure described in Example C-AE, Step C.

EXAMPLE C-AI Synthesis of 3-[(L-Alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1076] Step A: Synthesis of 3-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(2-thiophen-2-yl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1077] The title compound was synthesized in a manner similar to the procedure described in Synth. Commun., 26(4), 721-727 (1996), starting with 2-(2-aminobenzoyl)thiophene (prepared as described in Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun., 34(2), 468-478, (1969)).

[1078] MS (IS⁺) 272 (m/e).

[1079]¹HNMR (CDCl₃): δ=7.68 (1H, d), 7.60 (1H, t), 7.48 (1H, m), 7.35 (2H, d), 7.28 (1H, m), 7.15 (1H, d), 7.05 (1H, d), 4.50 (1H, broad), 3.45 (3H, s), 2.26 (2H, broad).

[1080] Step B: Synthesis of 3-[(N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-L-alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1081] The title compound was synthesized in a manner similar to the procedure described in Example C-AH, Step B.

[1082] MS (IS⁺) 443 (m/e).

[1083]¹HNMR (CDCl₃):δ=7.69 (1H, d), 7.61 (2H, m), 7.48 (1H, d), 7.27-7.42 (2H, m), 7.18 (1H, m), 7.05 (1H, m), 5.51 (1H, d), 5.13 (1H, broad), 4.36 (1H, broad), 3.44 (3H, s), 1.38-1.57 (12H, m).

[1084] Step C: Synthesis of 3-[(L-Alaninyl)amino]-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

[1085] The title compound was synthesized in a manner similar to the procedure described in Example C-AE, Step C.

[1086] MS (IS⁺) 343 (m/e).

[1087]¹HNMR (CDCl₃): δ=8.55 (1H, d), 7.68 (1H, d), 7.59 (1H, m), 7.48 (1H, d), 7.36 (1H, d), 7.31 (1H, d), 7.16 (1H, m), 7.04 (1H, t), 5.54 (1H, d), 3.58 (1H, m), 3.45 (3H, s), 1.41 (3H, d).

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of 5-[N′-(2S-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl)-2S-aminopropyl]amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[1088] Step A—Synthesis of N-Boc-L-Alaninal

[1089] Methylene chloride (50 mL) was added to a flask equipped with an addition funnel and cooled to −78° C. before adding 1.6 mL oxalyl chloride (18.3 mmol, 2.4 eq). This was stirred for 5 minutes, at which time 1.8 mL dimethyl sulfoxide (25.4 mmol, 3.3 eq) dissolved in 20 mL CH₂Cl₂ was added over 5 minutes. This was stirred for an additional 5 minutes before adding 1.4 g N-Boc-L-alaninol (7.8 mmol, 1.0 eq) (Aldrich) in 20 mL CH₂Cl₂. The reaction mixture was stirred for 5 minutes before 6.5 mL triethylamine (46.6 mmol, 6.0 eq) was added and the reaction warmed to room temperature for 10 minutes. The reaction was quenched with 200 mL 0.1 N aqueous HCl, and this was extracted with 2×100 mL CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were washed with 100 mL saturated NaHCO₃ followed by 100 mL saturated NaCl, then dried over Na₂SO₄ and removed in vacuo. The remaining oil was passed through a silica gel plug with ethyl acetate (EtOAc). The solvent was removed in vacuo to yield 1.14 g (85%) of the desired product.

[1090] NMR data was as follows:

[1091]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃):δ=9.56 (s, 1H, CHO), 5.06 (bs, 1H, NH), 4.24 (bq, 1H, CH), 1.45 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃), 1.33 (d, 3H, J=7.2 Hz, CHCH₃).

[1092] M⁺ (ionspray) Calcd for C₈H₁₅NO₃ 173.2, Obs. 174.2 (M+1H).

[1093] Step B—Synthesis of 5-[N′-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-2S-aminopropyl]-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[1094] To a solution of 620 mg of 5-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (2.6 mmol, 1.0 eq) (from Example 7-A) in 50 mL methanol was added 653 mg of N-Boc-L-alaninal (3.8 mmol, 1.4 eq) (from Step A), followed by 74 mg of sodium cyanoborohydride (1.2 mmol, 0.5 eq). This was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour after which the solvent was removed. The resulting solid was dissolved in 50 mL methylene chloride and washed with 50 mL aqueous saturated NaHCO₃. The aqueous layer was re-extracted with 50 mL methylene chloride. The combined organic solvents were dried over Na₂SO₄ and removed in vacuo. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (1:1 hexanes:ethyl acetate) to yield 309 mg (30%) of the desired product.

[1095] NMR data was as follows:

[1096]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=7.64-7.31 (m, 8H, aromatic Hs), 4.04 (bs, 1H, CHN), 3.73 (bs, 1H, CHCH₃), 3.34 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 2.78 (dd, 1H, J=4.9, 12.0 Hz, CHHN), 2.48 (dd, 1H, J=6.8, 12.0 Hz, CHHN), 1.43 (s, 9H, CCH₃), 1.17 (d, 3H, J=6.8 Hz, CHCH₃).

[1097] M⁺ (ionspray) Calcd for C₂₃H₂₉N₃O₃ 395.5, Obs. 396.1 (M+1H).

[1098] Step C—Synthesis of 5-(2S-aminopropyl)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[1099] HCl (g) was bubbled through a solution of 317 mg of 5-[N′-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-2S-aminopropyl]amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (0.8 mmol) (from Step B) in 30 mL dioxane for 15 minutes. This was stirred at room temperature for 17 hours at which time the solvent was removed in vacuo to yield 248 mg (94%) of a white solid. This was used without further purification.

[1100] NMR data was as follows:

[1101]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) 7.73-7.45 (m, 8H, aromatic Hs), 3.76 (m, 1H, CHCH₃), 3.38 (m, 5H, NCH₃ and CH₂N), 1.46 (d, 3H, J=6.4 Hz, CHCH₃).

[1102] M⁺ (ionspray) Calcd for C₁₈H₂₁N₃O 295.4, Obs. 296.4 (M+1H).

[1103] Step D—Synthesis of 5-[N′-(2S-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl)-2S-aminopropyl]amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one

[1104] To a solution of 240 mg 5-(2S-aminopropyl)-amino-7-methyl-5,7-dihydro-6H-dibenz[b,d]azepin-6-one (0.8 mmol, 1.0 eq) (from Step C) in 25 mL 4:1 tetrahydrofuran (THF): dimethylformamide (DMF) was added 125 mg of 2S-2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid (1.1 mmol, 1.3 eq), 184 mg of N-ethyl-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (1.0 mmol, 1.2 eq), 139 mg 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (0.9 mmol, 1.1 eq), and 0.5 mL of diisopropylethylamine (2.9 mmol, 3.5 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil diluted with 30 mL CH₂Cl₂ and washed with 25 mL 0.1 N aqueous HCl. The aqueous layer was back extracted with 25 mL CH₂Cl₂. The combined orgainc layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and removed in vacuo. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (ethyl acetate) to yield 38 mg (12%) of the desired product as a white solid.

[1105] NMR data was as follows:

[1106]¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=7.62-7.37 (m, 8H, aromatic Hs), 6.67 (d, 1H,J=9.0 Hz, NHCO) 4.61 (m, 1H, CHCH₃), 4.40 (bs, 1H, CHNH), 4.13 (d, 1H, J=3.8 Hz, CHOH), 3.38 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 2.95 (m, 2H, CH₂NH), 2.10 (m, 1H, CH(CH₃)₂), 1.26 (d, 3H,J=6.4 Hz, CHCH₃), 1.06 (d, 3H,J=6.8 Hz, CH(CH₃)₂), 0.93 (d, 3H,J=6.8 Hz, CH(CH₃)₂).

[1107] M⁺ (ionspray) Calcd for C₂₃H₂₉N₃O₃ 395.5, Obs. 396.1 (M+1H).

[1108] Anal. Calcd for C₂₃H₂₉N₃O₃ C, 69.85; H, 7.39; N, 10.62. Found: C, 69.63; H, 7.44; N, 10.32.

[1109] Additionally, using the procedures described herein as well as art recognized starting materials, reagents and procedures, compounds of formula I can be prepared wherein the portion of the compound having the formula -NH-W is selected from the following structures (where, when undefined, X, Y and Z represent aryl ring substitutes):

EXAMPLE 2 Cellular Screen for the Detection of Inhibitors of β-Amyloid Production

[1110] A compound of formula I above was assayed for its ability to inhibit β-amyloid production in a cell line possessing the Swedish mutation. This screening assay employed cells (K293=human kidney cell line) which were stably transfected with the gene for amyloid precursor protein 751 (APP751) containing the double mutation Lys₆₅₁Met₆₅₂ to Asn651Leu₆₅₂ (APP751 numbering) in the manner described in International Patent Application Publication No. 94/10569⁸ and Citron et al.¹⁶. This mutation is commonly called the Swedish mutation and the cells, designated as “293 751 SWE”, were plated in Corning 96-well plates at 2-4×10⁴ cells per well in Dulbecco's minimal essential media (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) plus 10% fetal bovine serum. Cell number is important in order to achieve β-amyloid ELISA results within the linear range of the assay (˜0.2 to 2.5 ng per mL).

[1111] Following overnight incubation at 37° C. in an incubator equilibrated with 10% carbon dioxide, media were removed and replaced with 200 μL of a compound of formula I (drug) containing media per well for a two hour pretreatment period and cells were incubated as above. Drug stocks were prepared in 100% dimethyl sulfoxide such that at the final drug concentration used in the treatment, the concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide did not exceed 0.5% and, in fact, usually equaled 0.1%.

[1112] At the end of the pretreatment period, the media were again removed and replaced with fresh drug containing media as above and cells were incubated for an additional two hours. After treatment, plates were centrifuged in a Beckman GPR at 1200 rpm for five minutes at room temperature to pellet cellular debris from the conditioned media. From each well, 100 μL of conditioned media or appropriate dilutions thereof were transferred into an ELISA plate precoated with antibody 266 [P. Seubert, Nature (1992) 359:325-327] against amino acids 13-28 of β-amyloid peptide as described in International Patent Application Publication No. 94/10569⁸ and stored at 4° C. overnight. An ELISA assay employing labelled antibody 3D6 [P. Seubert, Nature (1992) 359:325-327]¹⁷ against amino acids 1-5 of β-amyloid peptide was run the next day to measure the amount of β-amyloid peptide produced.

[1113] Cytotoxic effects of the compounds were measured by a modification of the method of Hansen, et al.¹⁸. To the cells remaining in the tissue culture plate was added 25 μL of a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) stock solution (5 mg/mL) to a final concentration of 1 mg/mL. Cells were incubated at 37° C. for one hour, and cellular activity was stopped by the addition of an equal volume of MTT lysis buffer (20% w/v sodium dodecylsulfate in 50% dimethylformamide, pH 4.7). Complete extraction was achieved by overnight shaking at room temperature. The difference in the OD_(562 nm) and the OD650 nm was measured in a Molecular Device's UV_(max) microplate reader as an indicator of the cellular viability.

[1114] The results of the β-amyloid peptide ELISA were fit to a standard curve and expressed as ng/mL β-amyloid peptide. In order to normalize for cytotoxicity, these results were divided by the MTT results and expressed as a percentage of the results from a drug free control. All results are the mean and standard deviation of at least six replicate assays.

[1115] The test compound was assayed for β-amyloid peptide production inhibition activity in cells using this assay. The results of this assay demonstrate that the compounds of formula I inhibit β-amyloid peptide production by at least 30% as compared to the control when employed at 10 μg/mL.

EXAMPLE 3 In Vivo Suppression of β-Amyloid Release and/or Synthesis

[1116] This example illustrates how the compounds of this invention could be tested for in vivo suppression of β-amyloid release and/or synthesis. For these experiments, 3 to 4 month old PDAPP mice are used [Games et al., (1995) Nature 373:523-527].¹⁹ Depending upon which compound is being tested, the compound is usually formulated at between 1 and 10 mg/mL. Because of the low solubility factors of the compounds, they may be formulated with various vehicles, such as corn oil (Safeway, South San Francisco, Calif.); 10% ethanol in corn oil; 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (Research Biochemicals International, Natick Mass.); and carboxy-methyl-cellulose (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis Mo.).

[1117] The mice are dosed subcutaneously with a 26 gauge needle and 3 hours later the animals are euthanized via CO₂ narcosis and blood is taken by cardiac puncture using a 1 cc 25G ⅝″ tuberculin syringe/needle coated with solution of 0.5 M EDTA, pH 8.0. The blood is placed in a Becton-Dickinson vacutainer tube containing EDTA and spun down for 15 minutes at 1500 xg at 5° C. The brains of the mice are then removed and the cortex and hippocampus are dissected out and placed on ice.

[1118] 1. Brain Assay

[1119] To prepare hippocampal and cortical tissue for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) each brain region is homogenized in 10 volumes of ice cold guanidine buffer (5.0 M guanidine-HCl, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0) using a Kontes motorized pestle (Fisher, Pittsburgh Pa.). The homogenates are gently rocked on a rotating platform for three to four hours at room temperature and stored at −20° C. prior to quantitation of β-amyloid.

[1120] The brain homogenates are diluted 1:10 with ice-cold casein buffer [0.25% casein, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 0.05% sodium azide, 20 μg/ml aprotinin, 5 mM EDTA, pH 8.0, 10 μg/ml leupeptin], thereby reducing the final concentration of guanidine to 0.5 M, before centrifugation at 16,000 xg for 20 minutes at 4° C. Samples are further diluted, if necessary, to achieve an optimal range for the ELISA measurements by the addition of casein buffer with 0.5 M guanidine hydrochloride added. The β-amyloid standards (1-40 or 1-42 amino acids) were prepared such that the final composition equaled 0.5 M guanidine in the presence of 0.1% bovine serum albumin (BSA).

[1121] The total β-amyloid sandwich ELISA, quantitating both β-amyloid (aa 1-40) and β-amyloid (aa 1-42) consists of two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to β-amyloid. The capture antibody, 266 [P. Seubert, Nature (1992) 359:325-327], is specific to amino acids 13-28 of β-amyloid. The antibody 3D6 [Johnson-Wood et al., PNAS USA (1997) 94:1550-1555],²⁰ which is specific to amino acids 1-5 of β-amyloid, is biotinylated and served as the reporter antibody in the assay. The 3D6 biotinylation procedure employs the manufacturer's (Pierce, Rockford Ill.) protocol for NHS-biotin labeling of immunoglobulins except that 100 mM sodium bicarbonate, pH 8.5 buffer is used. The 3D6 antibody does not recognize secreted amyloid precursor protein (APP) or full-length APP but detects only β-amyloid species with an amino terminal aspartic acid. The assay has a lower limit of sensitivity of ˜50 pg/ml (11 pM) and shows no cross-reactivity to the endogenous murine β-amyloid peptide at concentrations up to 1 ng/ml.

[1122] The configuration of the sandwich ELISA quantitating the level of β-amyloid (aa 1-42) employs the mAb 21F12 [Johnson-Wood et al., PNAS USA (1997) 94:1550-1555] (which recognizes amino acids 33-42 of β-amyloid) as the capture antibody. Biotinylated 3D6 is also the reporter antibody in this assay which has a lower limit of sensitivity of ˜125 pg/ml (28 pM).

[1123] The 266 and 21F12 capture mAbs are coated at 10 μg/ml into 96 well immunoassay plates (Costar, Cambidge Mass.) overnight at room temperature. The plates are then aspirated and blocked with 0.25% human serum albumin in PBS buffer for at least 1 hour at room temperature, then stored desiccated at 4° C. until use. The plates are rehydrated with wash buffer (Tris-buffered saline, 0.05% Tween 20) prior to use. The samples and standards are added to the plates and incubated overnight at 4° C. The plates are washed ≧3 times with wash buffer between each step of the assay. The biotinylated 3D6, diluted to 0.5 μg/ml in casein incubation buffer (0.25% casein, PBS, 0.05% Tween 20, pH 7.4) is incubated in the well for 1 hour at room temperature. Avidin-HRP (Vector, Burlingame Calif.) diluted 1:4000 in casein incubation buffer is added to the wells for 1 hour at room temperature. The colorimetric substrate, Slow TMB-ELISA (Pierce, Cambridge Mass.), is added and allowed to react for 15 minutes, after which the enzymatic reaction is stopped with addition of 2 N H₂SO₄. Reaction product is quantified using a Molecular Devices Vmax (Molecular Devices, Menlo Park Calif.) measuring the difference in absorbance at 450 nm and 650 nm.

[1124] 2. Blood Assay

[1125] The EDTA plasma is diluted 1:1 in specimen diluent (0.2 gm/l sodium phosphate.H₂O (monobasic), 2.16 gm/l sodium phosphate.7H₂O (dibasic), 0.5gm/1 thimerosal, 8.5 gm/l sodium chloride, 0.5 ml Triton X-405, 6.0 g/l globulin-free bovine serum albumin; and water). The samples and standards in specimen diluent are assayed using the total β-amyloid assay (266 capture/3D6 reporter) described above for the brain assay except the specimen diluent was used instead of the casein diluents described.

[1126] Formulations other than those described above can also be used for oral delivery and intravenous delivery to a mammal. For oral delivery, the compound can be mixed with either 100% corn oil or, alternatively, in a solution comtaining 80% corn oil, 19.5% oleic acid and 0.5% labrafil. The compound can be mixed with the above solutions in concentrations ranging from 1 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL. The compound in solution is preferably administered orally to the mammal at a dose volume of 5 mL/kg of body weight. For IV delivery, the compound is preferably mixed with a solution of 3% ethanol, 3% solutol HS-15 and 94% saline. The compound is preferably mixed with the above solution in concentrations ranging from 0.25 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL. The compound in solution is preferably administered by IV to the mammal at a dose volume of 2 mL/kg of body weight.

[1127] From the foregoing description, various modifications and changes in the composition and method will occur to those skilled in the art. All such modifications coming within the scope of the appended claims are intended to be included therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for inhibiting β-amyloid peptide release and/or its synthesis in a cell which method comprises administering to such a cell an amount of a compound or a mixture of compounds effective in inhibiting the cellular release and/or synthesis of β-amyloid peptide wherein said compounds are represented by formula I:

wherein W is a cyclic group selected from the group consisting of:

wherein ring A, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; ring B, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; ring C, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring; Y is represented by the formula:

provided that at least one Y is —(CHR^(2′))_(a)—NH—; R¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; each R^(2′) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, acyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted amino, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, thioalkoxy and substituted thioalkoxy; Q is oxygen, sulfur, —S(O)— or —S(O)₂—; Z is represented by the formula -T-CX′X″C(O)—, wherein T is selected from the group consisting of a bond covalently linking R¹ to —CX′X″-, oxygen, sulfur and —NR⁶, wherein R⁶ is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl group; X′ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, X″ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, or X′ and X″ together form an oxo group; a is an integer from 2 to 6; f is an integer from 0 to 2; m is an integer equal to 0 or 1; n is an integer equal to 1 or 2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 2. A method for preventing the onset of AD in a human patient at risk for developing AD which method comprises administering to said patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically inert carrier and an effective amount of a compound or a mixture of compounds of formula I:

wherein W is a cyclic group selected from the group consisting of:

wherein ring A, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; ring B, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; ring C, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring; Y is represented by the formula:

provided that at least one Y is —(CHR^(2′))_(a)—NH—; R¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; each R^(2′) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, acyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted amino, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, thioalkoxy and substituted thioalkoxy; Q is oxygen, sulfur, —S(O)— or —S(O)₂—; Z is represented by the formula -T-CX′X″C(O)—, wherein T is selected from the group consisting of a bond covalently linking R¹ to —CX′X″-, oxygen, sulfur and —NR⁶, wherein R⁶ is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl group; X′ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, X″ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, or X′ and X″ together form an oxo group; a is an integer from 2 to 6; f is an integer from 0 to 2; m is an integer equal to 0 or 1; n is an integer equal to 1 or 2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 3. A method for treating a human patient with AD in order to inhibit further deterioration in the condition of that patient which method comprises administering to said patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically inert carrier and an effective amount of a compound or a mixture of compounds of formula I:

wherein W is a cyclic group selected from the group consisting of:

wherein ring A, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; ring B, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; ring C, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring; Y is represented by the formula:

provided that at least one Y is —(CHR^(2′))_(a)—NH—; R¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; each R^(2′) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, acyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted amino, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, thioalkoxy and substituted thioalkoxy; Q is oxygen, sulfur, —S(O)— or —S(O)₂—; Z is represented by the formula -T-CX′X″C(O)—, wherein T is selected from the group consisting of a bond covalently linking R¹ to —CX′X″-, oxygen, sulfur and —NR⁶, wherein R⁶ is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl group; X′ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, X″ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, or X′ and X″ together form an oxo group; a is an integer from 2 to 6; f is an integer from 0 to 2; m is an integer equal to 0 or 1; n is an integer equal to 1 or 2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 4. The method according to any of claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein a is
 2. 5. The method according to claim 4 wherein rings A and B are preferably independently selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 6. The method according to claim 5 wherein rings A and B are independently aryl.
 7. The method according to claim 4 wherein m is zero.
 8. The method according to claim 7 wherein R¹ is aryl or heteroaryl.
 9. The method according to claim 8 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of (a) phenyl, (b) a substituted phenyl group of the formula:

wherein R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of acyl, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylalkoxy, azido, cyano, halo, hydrogen, nitro, trihalomethyl, thioalkoxy, and wherein R^(b) and R^(c) are fused to form a heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring with the phenyl ring wherein the heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring contains from 3 to 8 atoms of which from 1 to 3 are heteroatoms independently selected from the group. consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur R^(b) and R^(b′) are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, trihalomethyl, alkoxy, and thioalkoxy with the proviso that when R^(c) is hydrogen, then R^(b) and R^(b′) are either both hydrogen or both substituents other than hydrogen, (c) 2-naphthyl, (d) 2-naphthyl substituted at the 4, 5, 6, 7 and/or 8 positions with 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting alkyl, alkoxy, halo, cyano, nitro, trihalomethyl, thioalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl, (e) heteroaryl, (f) substituted heteroaryl containing 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy provided that said substituents are not ortho to the heteroaryl attachment to the —NH group, and (g) alkyl.
 10. The method according to claim 8 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of mono-, di- and tri-substituted phenyl groups.
 11. The method according to claim 10 wherein R¹ is a disubstituted phenyl selected from the group consisting of 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-4-chlorophenyl, 3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl, 3-chloro-4-iodophenyl, and 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl.
 12. The method according to claim 10 wherein R¹ is a monosubstituted phenyl selected from the group consisting of 4-azidophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4-ethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-iodophenyl, 4-(phenylcarbonyl)-phenyl, and 4-(1-ethoxy)ethylphenyl.
 13. The method according to claim 10 wherein R¹ is a trisubstituted phenyl selected from the group consisting of 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl and 3,4,5-trichlorophenyl.
 14. The method according to claim 8 wherein R¹ is selected from 2-naphthyl, quinolin-3-yl, 2-methylquinolin-6-yl, benzothiazol-6-yl, 5-indolyl, and phenyl.
 15. The method according to claim 4 wherein m is one.
 16. The method according to claim 15 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-bromophenyl, 2-hydroxyphenyl, 2-nitrophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 2-phenoxyphenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-ethoxyphenyl, 4-butoxyphenyl, 4-iso-propylphenyl, 4-phenoxyphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-hydroxymethylphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 3-hydroxyphenyl, 3-nitrophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 3-phenoxyphenyl, 3-thiomethoxyphenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2,3-dichlorophenyl, 2,3-difluorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-di-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, 2,6-difluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-tri-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-tri-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,3,5-trifluorophenyl, 2,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl, 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluoro-2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-benzyloxyphenyl, 2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl, 2-fluoro-6-chlorophenyl, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, 4-phenylphenyl, 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl, adamantyl, benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-phenyl-n-propyl, 4-phenyl-n-butyl, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, iso-butyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, iso-valeryl, n-hexyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopent-1-enyl, cyclopent-2-enyl, cyclohex-1-enyl, —CH₂—cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclobutyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-cyclopentyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclobutyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopentyl, pyrid-2-yl, pyrid-3-yl, pyrid-4-yl, fluoropyridyls (including 5-fluoropyrid-3-yl), chloropyridyls (including 5-chloropyrid-3-yl), thien-2-yl, thien-3-yl, benzothiazol-4-yl, 2-phenylbenzoxazol-5-yl, furan-2-yl, benzofuran-2-yl, thionaphthen-2-yl, thionaphthen-3-yl, thionaphthen-4-yl, 2-chlorothiophen-5-yl, 3-methylisoxazol-5-yl, 2-(thiophenyl)thien-5-yl, 6-methoxythionaphthen-2-yl, 3-phenyl-1,2,4-thiooxadiazol-5-yl, 2-phenyloxazol-4-yl, indol-3-yl, 1-phenyl-tetraol-5-yl, allyl, 2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl, (CH₃)₂CH═CHCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)—, φC(O)CH₂—, thien-2-yl-methyl, 2-(thien-2-yl)ethyl, 3-(thien-2-yl)-n-propyl, 2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, norboran-2-yl, (4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (2-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (3-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (3-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (4-methylphenyl)methyl, (4-fluorophenyl)methyl, (4-fluorophenoxy)methyl, (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl, (4-chlorophenyl)methyl, (2-chlorophenyl)methyl, (1-phenyl)ethyl, (1-(p-chlorophenyl)ethyl, (1-trifluoromethyl)ethyl, (4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, CH₃OC(O)CH₂—, benzylthiomethyl, 5-(methoxycarbonyl)-n-pentyl, 3-(methoxycarbonyl)-n-propyl, indan-2-yl, (2-methylbenzofuran-3-yl), methoxymethyl, CH₃CH═CH—, CH₃CH₂CH═CH—, (4-chlorophenyl)C(O)CH₂—, (4-fluorophenyl)C(O)CH₂—, (4-methoxyphenyl)C(O)CH₂—, 4-(fluorophenyl)-NHC(O)CH₂—, 1-phenyl-n-butyl, (φ)₂CHNHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, (CH₃)₂NC(O)CH₂—, (φ)₂CHNHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, methylcarbonylmethyl, (2,4-dimethylphenyl)C(O)CH₂—, 4-methoxyphenyl-C(O)CH₂—, phenyl-C(O)CH₂—, CH₃C(O)N(φ)—, ethenyl, methylthiomethyl, (CH₃)₃CNHC(O)CH₂—, 4-fluorophenyl-C(O)CH₂—, diphenylmethyl, phenoxymethyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-CH₂—, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, (CH₃)₃COC(O)NHCH₂—, trans-styryl, H₂NC(O)CH₂CH₂—, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl-C(O)CH₂, φC(O)NHCH(φ)CH₂—, mesityl, CH₃CH(═NHOH)CH₂—, 4-CH₃-φ-NHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, φC(O)CH(φ)CH₂—, (CH₃)₂CHC(O)NHCH(φ)—, CH₃CH₂OCH₂—, CH₃OC(O)CH(CH₃)(CH₂)₃—, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl, 2-CH₃-benzofuran-3-yl, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl, φSO₂CH₂—, 3-cyclohexyl-n-propyl, CF₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— and N-pyrrolidinyl.
 17. The method according to claim 4 wherein each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 18. The method according to claim 17 wherein R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methyl-n-butyl, 6-fluoro-n-hexyl, phenyl, benzyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, allyl, iso-but-2-enyl, 3-methylpentyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-indol-3-yl, p-(phenyl)phenyl, o-fluorophenyl, m-fluorophenyl, p-fluorophenyl, m-methoxyphenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, phenethyl, benzyl, m-hydroxybenzyl, p-hydroxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, m-trifluoromethylphenyl, p-(CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂O-benzyl, p-(CH₃)₃COC(O)CH₂O-benzyl, p-(HOOCCH₂O)-benzyl, 2-aminopyrid-6-yl, p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, —CH₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CH₂-imidazol-4-yl, —CH₂-(3-tetrahydrofuranyl), —CH₂-thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂(1-methyl)cyclopropyl, —CH₂-thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂—C(O)O-t-butyl, —CH₂—C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methylcyclopentyl, cyclohex-2-enyl, —CH[CH(CH₃)₂]COOCH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂, —CH₂CH═CHCH₃ (cis and trans), —CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₃, —CH(O-t-butyl)CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —(CH₂)₄NH-Boc, —(CH₂)₄NH₂, —CH₂-pyridyl, pyridyl, —CH₂-naphthyl, —CH₂-(N-morpholino), p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl, 6-methoxynaphth-2-yl, —CH₂CH₂SCH₃, thien-2-yl and thien-3-yl.
 19. The method according to claim 4 wherein R^(2′) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 20. The method according to claim 19 wherein R^(2′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methyl-n-butyl, 6-fluoro-n-hexyl, phenyl, benzyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, allyl, iso-but-2-enyl, 3-methylpentyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-indol-3-yl, p-(phenyl)phenyl, o-fluorophenyl, m-fluorophenyl, p-fluorophenyl, m-methoxyphenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, phenethyl, benzyl, m-hydroxybenzyl, p-hydroxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, m-trifluoromethylphenyl, p-(CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂O-benzyl, p-(CH₃)₃COC(O)CH₂O-benzyl, p-(HOOCCH₂O)-benzyl, 2-aminopyrid-6-yl, p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, —CH₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CH₂-imidazol-4-yl, —CH₂-(3-tetrahydrofuranyl), —CH₂-thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂(1-methyl)cyclopropyl, —CH₂-thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂-C(O)O-t-butyl, —CH₂—C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methylcyclopentyl, cyclohex-2-enyl, —CH[CH(CH₃)₂]COOCH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂, —CH₂CH═CHCH₃ (cis and trans), —CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₃, —CH(O-t-butyl)CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —(CH₂)₄NH-Boc, —(CH₂)₄NH₂, —CH₂-pyridyl, pyridyl, —CH₂-naphthyl, —CH₂-(N-morpholino), p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl, 6-methoxynaphth-2-yl, —CH₂CH₂SCH₃, thien-2-yl and thien-3-yl.
 21. The method according to claim 4 wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl and cycloalkyl.
 22. The method according to claim 21 wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, 2-methypropyl, hexyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl, 4-phenylbutyl, cyclopropylmethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, and cyclohexyl.
 23. The method according to claim 4 wherein R⁴ is hydrogen, alkyl or substituted alkyl.
 24. The method according to claim 4 wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted amino, phenyl, substituted phenyl cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic and thioalkoxy.
 25. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of formula I:

wherein W is a cyclic group selected from the group consisting of:

wherein ring A, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; ring B, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; ring C, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring; Y is represented by the formula:

provided that at least one Y is —(CHR^(2′))_(a)—NH—; R¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; each R^(2′) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, acyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted amino, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, thioalkoxy and substituted thioalkoxy; Q is oxygen, sulfur, —S(O)— or —S(O)₂—; Z is represented by the formula -T-CX′X″C(O)—, wherein T is selected from the group consisting of a bond covalently linking R¹ to —CX′X″-, oxygen, sulfur and —NR⁶, wherein R⁶ is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl group; X′ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, X″ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, or X′ and X″ together form an oxo group; a is an integer from 2 to 6; f is an integer from 0 to 2; m is an integer equal to 0 or 1; n is an integer equal to 1 or 2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 26. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 25 wherein a is
 2. 27. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 25 wherein rings A and B are preferably independently selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 28. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 27 wherein rings A and B are independently aryl.
 29. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 25 wherein m is zero.
 30. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 29 wherein R¹ is aryl or heteroaryl.
 31. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 30 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of (a) phenyl, (b) a substituted phenyl group of the formula:

wherein R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of acyl, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylalkoxy, azido, cyano, halo, hydrogen, nitro, trihalomethyl, thioalkoxy, and wherein R^(b) and R^(c) are fused to form a heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring with the phenyl ring wherein the heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring contains from 3 to 8 atoms of which from 1 to 3 are heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur R^(b) and R^(b′) are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, trihalomethyl, alkoxy, and thioalkoxy with the proviso that when R^(c) is hydrogen, then R^(b) and R^(b′) are either both hydrogen or both substituents other than hydrogen, (c) 2-naphthyl, (d) 2-naphthyl substituted at the 4, 5, 6, 7 and/or 8 positions with 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting alkyl, alkoxy, halo, cyano, nitro, trihalomethyl, thioalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl, (e) heteroaryl, (f) substituted heteroaryl containing 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy provided that said substituents are not ortho to the heteroaryl attachment to the —NH group, and (g) alkyl.
 32. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 30 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of mono-, di- and tri-substituted phenyl groups.
 33. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 32 wherein R¹ is a disubstituted phenyl selected from the group consisting of 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-4-chlorophenyl, 3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl, 3-chloro-4-iodophenyl, and 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl.
 34. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 32 wherein R¹ is a monosubstituted phenyl selected from the group consisting of 4-azidophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4-ethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-iodophenyl, 4-(phenylcarbonyl)-phenyl, and 4-(1-ethoxy)ethylphenyl.
 35. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 32 wherein R¹ is a trisubstituted phenyl selected from the group consisting of 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl and 3,4,5-trichlorophenyl.
 36. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 30 wherein R¹ is selected from 2-naphthyl, quinolin-3-yl, 2-methylquinolin-6-yl, benzothiazol-6-yl, 5-indolyl, and phenyl.
 37. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 25 wherein m is one.
 38. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 37 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-bromophenyl, 2-hydroxyphenyl, 2-nitrophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 2-phenoxyphenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-ethoxyphenyl, 4-butoxyphenyl, 4-iso-propylphenyl, 4-phenoxyphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-hydroxymethylphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 3-hydroxyphenyl, 3-nitrophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 3-phenoxyphenyl, 3-thiomethoxyphenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2,3-dichlorophenyl, 2,3-difluorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-di-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, 2,6-difluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-tri-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-tri-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,3,5-trifluorophenyl, 2,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl, 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluoro-2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-benzyloxyphenyl, 2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl, 2-fluoro-6-chlorophenyl, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, 4-phenylphenyl, 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl, adamantyl, benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-phenyl-n-propyl, 4-phenyl-n-butyl, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, iso-valeryl, n-hexyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopent-1-enyl, cyclopent-2-enyl, cyclohex-1-enyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclobutyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-cyclopentyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclobutyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopentyl, pyrid-2-yl, pyrid-3-yl, pyrid-4-yl, fluoropyridyls (including 5-fluoropyrid-3-yl), chloropyridyls (including 5-chloropyrid-3-yl), thien-2-yl, thien-3-yl, benzothiazol-4-yl, 2-phenylbenzoxazol-5-yl, furan-2-yl, benzofuran-2-yl, thionaphthen-2-yl, thionaphthen-3-yl, thionaphthen-4-yl, 2-chlorothiophen-5-yl, 3-methylisoxazol-yl, 2-(thiophenyl)thien-5-yl, 6-methoxythionaphthen-2-yl, 3-phenyl-1,2,4-thiooxadiazol-5-yl, 2-phenyloxazol-4-yl, indol-3-yl, 1-phenyl-tetraol-5-yl, allyl, 2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl, (CH₃)₂CH═CHCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)—, φC(O)CH₂—, thien-2-yl-methyl, 2-(thien-2-yl)ethyl, 3-(thien-2-yl)-n-propyl, 2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, norboran-2-yl, (4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (2-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (3-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (3-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (4-methylphenyl)methyl, (4-fluorophenyl)methyl, (4-fluorophenoxy)methyl, (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl, (4-chlorophenyl)methyl, (2-chlorophenyl)methyl, (1-phenyl)ethyl, (1-(p-chlorophenyl)ethyl, (1-trifluoromethyl)ethyl, (4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, CH₃OC(O)CH₂—, benzylthiomethyl, 5-(methoxycarbonyl)-n-pentyl, 3-(methoxycarbonyl)-n-propyl, indan-2-yl, (2-methylbenzofuran-3-yl), methoxymethyl, CH₃CH═CH—, CH₃CH₂CH═CH—, (4-chlorophenyl)C(O)CH₂—, (4-fluorophenyl)C(O)CH₂—, (4-methoxyphenyl)C(O)CH₂—, 4-(fluorophenyl)-NHC(O)CH₂—, 1-phenyl-n-butyl, (φ)₂CHNHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, (CH₃)₂NC(O)CH₂—, (φ)₂CHNHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, methylcarbonylmethyl, (2,4-dimethylphenyl)C(O)CH₂—, 4-methoxyphenyl-C(O)CH₂—, phenyl-C(O)CH₂—, CH₃C(O)N(φ)—, ethenyl, methylthiomethyl, (CH₃)₃CNHC(O)CH₂—, 4-fluorophenyl-C(O)CH₂—, diphenylmethyl, phenoxymethyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-CH₂—, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, (CH₃)₃COC(O)NHCH₂—, trans-styryl, H₂NC(O)CH₂CH₂—, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl-C(O)CH₂, φC(O)NHCH(φ)CH₂—, mesityl, CH₃CH(═NHOH)CH₂—, 4-CH₃-φ-NHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, φC(O)CH(φ)CH₂—, (CH₃)₂CHC(O)NHCH(φ)-, CH₃CH₂OCH₂—, CH₃OC(O)CH(CH₃)(CH₂)₃—, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl, 2-CH₃-benzofuran-3-yl, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl, φSO₂CH₂—, 3-cyclohexyl-n-propyl, CF₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— and N-pyrrolidinyl.
 39. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 25 wherein each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 40. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 39 wherein R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methyl-n-butyl, 6-fluoro-n-hexyl, phenyl, benzyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, allyl, iso-but-2-enyl, 3-methylpentyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-indol-3-yl, p-(phenyl)phenyl, o-fluorophenyl, m-fluorophenyl, p-fluorophenyl, m-methoxyphenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, phenethyl, benzyl, m-hydroxybenzyl, p-hydroxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, m-trifluoromethylphenyl, p-(CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂O-benzyl, p-(CH₃)₃COC(O)CH₂O-benzyl, p-(HOOCCH₂O)-benzyl, 2-aminopyrid-6-yl, p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, —CH₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CH₂-imidazol-4-yl, —CH₂-(3-tetrahydrofuranyl), —CH₂-thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂(1-methyl)cyclopropyl, —CH₂-thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂—C(O)O-t-butyl, —CH₂—C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methylcyclopentyl, cyclohex-2-enyl, —CH[CH(CH₃)₂]COOCH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂, —CH₂CH═CHCH₃ (cis and trans), —CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₃, —CH(O-t-butyl)CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —(CH₂)₄NH-Boc, —(CH₂)₄NH₂, —CH₂-pyridyl, pyridyl, —CH₂-naphthyl, —CH₂-(N-morpholino), p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl, 6-methoxynaphth-2-yl, —CH₂CH₂SCH₃, thien-2-yl and thien-3-yl.
 41. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 25 wherein R^(2′) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 42. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 41 wherein R^(2′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methyl-n-butyl, 6-fluoro-n-hexyl, phenyl, benzyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, allyl, iso-but-2-enyl, 3-methylpentyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-indol-3-yl, p-(phenyl)phenyl, o-fluorophenyl, m-fluorophenyl, p-fluorophenyl, m-methoxyphenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, phenethyl, benzyl, m-hydroxybenzyl, p-hydroxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, m-trifluoromethylphenyl, p-(CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂O-benzyl, p-(CH₃)₃COC(O)CH₂O-benzyl, p-(HOOCCH₂O)-benzyl, 2-aminopyrid-6-yl, p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, —CH₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CH₂-imidazol-4-yl, —CH₂-(3-tetrahydrofuranyl), —CH₂-thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂(1-methyl)cyclopropyl, —CH₂-thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂—C(O)O-t-butyl, —CH₂—C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methylcyclopentyl, cyclohex-2-enyl, —CH[CH(CH₃)₂]COOCH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂, —CH₂CH═CHCH₃ (cis and trans), —CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₃, —CH(O-t-butyl)CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —(CH₂)₄NH-Boc, —(CH₂)₄NH₂, —CH₂-pyridyl, pyridyl, —CH₂-naphthyl, —CH₂-(N-morpholino), p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl, 6-methoxynaphth-2-yl, —CH₂CH₂SCH₃, thien-2-yl and thien-3-yl.
 43. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 25 wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl and cycloalkyl.
 44. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 43 wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, 2-methypropyl, hexyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl, 4-phenylbutyl, cyclopropylmethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, and cyclohexyl.
 45. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 25 wherein R⁴ is hydrogen, alkyl or substituted alkyl.
 46. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 25 wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted amino, phenyl, substituted phenyl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic and thioalkoxy.
 47. A compound of formula I:

wherein W is a cyclic group selected from the group consisting of:

wherein ring A, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; ring B, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; ring C, together with the atoms to which it is attached, forms a heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring; Y is represented by the formula:

provided that at least one Y is —(CHR^(2′))_(a)—NH—; R¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; each R^(2′) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, acyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted amino, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, thioalkoxy and substituted thioalkoxy; Q is oxygen, sulfur, —S(O)— or —S(O)₂—; Z is represented by the formula -T-CX′X″C(O)—, wherein T is selected from the group consisting of a bond covalently linking R¹ to —CX′X″-, oxygen, sulfur and —NR⁶, wherein R⁶ is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl group; X′ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, X″ is hydrogen, hydroxy or fluoro, or X′ and X″ together form an oxo group; a is an integer from 2 to 6; f is an integer from 0 to 2; m is an integer equal to 0 or 1; n is an integer equal to 1 or 2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 48. The compound according to claim 47 wherein a is
 2. 49. The compound according to claim 47 wherein rings A and B are preferably independently selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 50. The compound according to claim 49 wherein rings A and B are independently aryl.
 51. The compound according to claim 47 wherein m is zero.
 52. The compound according to claim 51 wherein R¹ is aryl or heteroaryl.
 53. The compound according to claim 52 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of (a) phenyl, (b) a substituted phenyl group of the formula:

wherein R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of acyl, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylalkoxy, azido, cyano, halo, hydrogen, nitro, trihalomethyl, thioalkoxy, and wherein R^(b) and R^(c) are fused to form a heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring with the phenyl ring wherein the heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring contains from 3 to 8 atoms of which from 1 to 3 are heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur R^(b) and R^(b′) are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, trihalomethyl, alkoxy, and thioalkoxy with the proviso that when R^(c) is hydrogen, then R^(b) and R^(b′) are either both hydrogen or both substituents other than hydrogen, (c) 2-naphthyl, (d) 2-naphthyl substituted at the 4, 5, 6, 7 and/or 8 positions with 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting alkyl, alkoxy, halo, cyano, nitro, trihalomethyl, thioalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl, (e) heteroaryl, (f) substituted heteroaryl containing 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy provided that said substituents are not ortho to the heteroaryl attachment to the —NH group, and (g) alkyl.
 54. The compound according to claim 52 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of mono-, di- and tri-substituted phenyl groups.
 55. The compound according to claim 54 wherein R¹ is a disubstituted phenyl selected from the group consisting of 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-4-chlorophenyl, 3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl, 3-chloro-4-iodophenyl, and 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl.
 56. The compound according to claim 54 wherein R¹ is a monosubstituted phenyl selected from the group consisting of 4-azidophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4-ethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-iodophenyl, 4-(phenylcarbonyl)-phenyl, and 4-(1-ethoxy)ethylphenyl.
 57. The compound according to claim 54 wherein R¹ is a trisubstituted phenyl selected from the group consisting of 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl and 3,4,5-trichlorophenyl.
 58. The compound according to claim 52 wherein R¹ is selected from 2-naphthyl, quinolin-3-yl, 2-methylquinolin-6-yl, benzothiazol-6-yl, 5-indolyl, and phenyl.
 59. The compound according to claim 53 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl and isovaleryl.
 60. The compound according to claim 47 wherein m is one.
 61. The compound according to claim 59 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-bromophenyl, 2-hydroxyphenyl, 2-nitrophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 2-phenoxyphenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-ethoxyphenyl, 4-butoxyphenyl, 4-iso-propylphenyl, 4-phenoxyphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-hydroxymethylphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 3-hydroxyphenyl, 3-nitrophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 3-phenoxyphenyl, 3-thiomethoxyphenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2,3-dichlorophenyl, 2,3-difluorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-di-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, 2,6-difluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-tri-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-tri-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,3,5-trifluorophenyl, 2,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl, 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluoro-2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-benzyloxyphenyl, 2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl, 2-fluoro-6-chlorophenyl, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, 4-phenylphenyl, 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl, adamantyl, benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-phenyl-n-propyl, 4-phenyl-n-butyl, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, iso-valeryl, n-hexyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopent-1-enyl, cyclopent-2-enyl, cyclohex-1-enyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclobutyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-cyclopentyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclobutyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopentyl, pyrid-2-yl, pyrid-3-yl, pyrid-4-yl, fluoropyridyls (including 5-fluoropyrid-3-yl), chloropyridyls (including 5-chloropyrid-3-yl), thien-2-yl, thien-3-yl, benzothiazol-4-yl, 2-phenylbenzoxazol-5-yl, furan-2-yl, benzofuran-2-yl, thionaphthen-2-yl, thionaphthen-3-yl, thionaphthen-4-yl, 2-chlorothiophen-5-yl, 3-methylisoxazol-5-yl, 2-(thiophenyl)thien-5-yl, 6-methoxythionaphthen-2-yl, 3-phenyl-1,2,4-thiooxadiazol-5-yl, 2-phenyloxazol-4-yl, indol-3-yl, 1-phenyl-tetraol-5-yl, allyl, 2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl, (CH₃)₂CH═CHCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)—, φC(O)CH₂—, thien-2-yl-methyl, 2-(thien-2-yl)ethyl, 3-(thien-2-yl)-n-propyl, 2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, norboran-2-yl, (4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (2-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (3-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (3-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (4-methylphenyl)methyl, (4-fluorophenyl)methyl, (4-fluorophenoxy)methyl, (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl, (4-chlorophenyl)methyl, (2-chlorophenyl)methyl, (1-phenyl)ethyl, (1-(p-chlorophenyl)ethyl, (1-trifluoromethyl)ethyl, (4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, CH₃OC(O)CH₂—, benzylthiomethyl, 5-(methoxycarbonyl)-n-pentyl, 3-(methoxycarbonyl)-n-propyl, indan-2-yl, (2-methylbenzofuran-3-yl), methoxymethyl, CH₃CH═CH—, CH₃CH₂CH═CH—, (4-chlorophenyl)C(O)CH₂—, (4-fluorophenyl)C(O)CH₂—, (4-methoxyphenyl)C(O)CH₂—, 4-(fluorophenyl)-NHC(O)CH₂—, 1-phenyl-n-butyl, (φ)₂CHNHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, (CH₃)₂NC(O)CH₂—, (φ)₂CHNHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, methylcarbonylmethyl, (2,4-dimethylphenyl)C(O)CH₂—, 4-methoxyphenyl-C(O)CH₂—, phenyl-C(O)CH₂—, CH₃C(O)N(φ)—, ethenyl, methylthiomethyl, (CH₃)₃CNHC(O)CH₂—, 4-fluorophenyl-C(O)CH₂—, diphenylmethyl, phenoxymethyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-CH₂—, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, (CH₃)₃COC(O)NHCH₂—, trans-styryl, H₂NC(O)CH₂CH₂—, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl-C(O)CH₂, φC(O)NHCH(φ)CH₂—, mesityl, CH₃CH(═NHOH)CH₂—, 4-CH₃-φ-NHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, φC(O)CH(φ)CH₂—, (CH₃)₂CHC(O)NHCH(φ)—, CH₃CH₂OCH₂—, CH₃OC(O)CH(CH₃)(CH₂)₃—, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl, 2-CH₃-benzofuran-3-yl, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl, φSO₂CH₂—, 3-cyclohexyl-n-propyl, CF₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— and N-pyrrolidinyl.
 62. The compound according to claim 47 wherein each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 63. The compound according to claim 61 wherein R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methyl-n-butyl, 6-fluoro-n-hexyl, phenyl, benzyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, allyl, iso-but-2-enyl, 3-methylpentyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-indol-3-yl, p-(phenyl)phenyl, o-fluorophenyl, m-fluorophenyl, p-fluorophenyl, m-methoxyphenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, phenethyl, benzyl, m-hydroxybenzyl, p-hydroxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, m-trifluoromethylphenyl, p-(CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂O-benzyl, p-(CH₃)₃COC(O)CH₂O-benzyl, p-(HOOCCH₂O)-benzyl, 2-aminopyrid-6-yl, p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, —CH₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CH₂-imidazol-4-yl, —CH₂-(3-tetrahydrofuranyl), —CH₂-thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂(1-methyl)cyclopropyl, —CH₂-thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂—C(O)O-t-butyl, —CH₂—C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methylcyclopentyl, cyclohex-2-enyl, —CH[CH(CH₃)₂]COOCH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂, —CH₂CH═CHCH₃ (cis and trans), —CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₃, —CH(O-t-butyl)CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —(CH₂)₄NH-Boc, —(CH₂)₄NH₂, —CH₂ -pyridyl, pyridyl, —CH₂-naphthyl, —CH₂-(N-morpholino), p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl, 6-methoxynaphth-2-yl, —CH₂CH₂SCH₃, thien-2-yl and thien-3-yl.
 64. The compound according to claim 47 wherein R^(2′) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 65. The compound according to claim 64 wherein R^(2′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methyl-n-butyl, 6-fluoro-n-hexyl, phenyl, benzyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, allyl, iso-but-2-enyl, 3-methylpentyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-indol-3-yl, p-(phenyl)phenyl, o-fluorophenyl, m-fluorophenyl, p-fluorophenyl, m-methoxyphenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, phenethyl, benzyl, m-hydroxybenzyl, p-hydroxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, m-trifluoromethylphenyl, p-(CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂O-benzyl, p-(CH₃)₃COC(O)CH₂O-benzyl, p-(HOOCCH₂O)-benzyl, 2-aminopyrid-6-yl, p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, —CH₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CH₂-imidazol-4-yl, —CH₂-(3-tetrahydrofuranyl), —CH₂-thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂(1-methyl)cyclopropyl, —CH₂-thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂—C(O)O-t-butyl, —CH₂—C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methylcyclopentyl, cyclohex-2-enyl, —CH[CH(CH₃)₂]COOCH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂, —CH₂CH═CHCH₃ (cis and trans), —CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₃, —CH(O-t-butyl)CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —(CH₂)₄NH-Boc, —(CH₂)₄NH₂, —CH₂-pyridyl, pyridyl, —CH₂-naphthyl, —CH₂-(N-morpholino), p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl, 6-methoxynaphth-2-yl, —CH₂CH₂SCH₃, thien-2-yl and thien-3-yl.
 66. The compound according to claim 47 wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl and cycloalkyl.
 67. The compound according to claim 66 wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, 2-methypropyl, hexyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl, 4-phenylbutyl, cyclopropylmethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, and cyclohexyl.
 68. The compound according to claim 47 wherein R⁴ is hydrogen, alkyl or substituted alkyl.
 69. The compound according to claim 47 wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted amino, phenyl, substituted phenyl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic and thioalkoxy.
 70. The compound according to claim 48 wherein W is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aryl, aryloxy, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl, cyano, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, halo, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, nitro, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl; each R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aryl, aryloxy, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl, cyano, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, halo, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, nitro, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, and —SO₂-heteroaryl; R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, acyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; p is an integer from 0 to 4; q is an integer from 0 to 4; (b) a cyclic group of the formula:

wherein R⁶, R⁷, and p are as defined above and r is an integer from 0 to 3; (c) a cyclic group of the formula:

wherein R⁶ and p are as defined above; (d) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein R⁶ and p are as defined above; (e) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein R⁶, R⁸ and p are as defined above; and each R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; and g is an integer from 0 to
 2. (f) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein R⁶, R⁸, R⁹, g and p are as defined above; (g) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein R⁶, each R⁸ and p are as defined-above; (h) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein R⁶, each R⁸, R⁹, g and p are as defined above; (i) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein R⁶, R⁸ and p are as defined above; and R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted amino, aryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, thioalkoxy and substituted thioalkoxy; (j) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein R⁶, R¹⁰ and p are as defined above; and D-E is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, substituted alkylene, substituted alkenylene and —N═CH—; (k) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein R⁶, R⁸, R⁹, g and p are as defined above; and Q is oxygen, sulfur, —S(O)— or —S(O)₂—; (1) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein R⁶, R⁸ and p are as defined above; and (m) a cyclic ring of the formula:

wherein R⁸ is as defined above.
 71. The compound according to claim 70 wherein each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy and halo; each R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy and halo; each R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl; each R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl; and g, p, q and r are 0 or
 1. 72. The compound according to claim 71 wherein g, p, q and r are
 0. 73. The compound according to claim 71 or 72 wherein m is
 1. 74. The compound according to claim 73 wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-bromophenyl, 2-hydroxyphenyl, 2-nitrophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 2-phenoxyphenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-ethoxyphenyl, 4-butoxyphenyl, 4-iso-propylphenyl, 4-phenoxyphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-hydroxymethylphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 3-hydroxyphenyl, 3-nitrophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 3 -chlorophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 3-phenoxyphenyl, 3-thiomethoxyphenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2,3-dichlorophenyl, 2,3-difluorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-di-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, 2,6-difluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-tri-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-tri-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,3,5-trifluorophenyl, 2,4,5-trifluorophenyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl, 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluoro-2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-benzyloxyphenyl, 2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl, 2-fluoro-6-chlorophenyl, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, 4-phenylphenyl, 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl, adamantyl, benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-phenyl-n-propyl, 4-phenyl-n-butyl, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, iso-valeryl, n-hexyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopent-1-enyl, cyclopent-2-enyl, cyclohex-1-enyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclobutyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-cyclopentyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclobutyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopentyl, pyrid-2-yl, pyrid-3-yl, pyrid-4-yl, fluoropyridyls (including 5-fluoropyrid-3-yl), chloropyridyls (including 5-chloropyrid-3-yl), thien-2-yl, thien-3-yl, benzothiazol-4-yl, 2-phenylbenzoxazol-5-yl, furan-2-yl, benzofuran-2-yl, thionaphthen-2-yl, thionaphthen-3-yl, thionaphthen-4-yl, 2-chlorothiophen-5-yl, 3-methylisoxazol-5-yl, 2-(thiophenyl)thien-5-yl, 6-methoxythionaphthen-2-yl, 3-phenyl-1,2,4-thiooxadiazol-5-yl, 2-phenyloxazol-4-yl, indol-3-yl, 1-phenyl-tetraol-5-yl, allyl, 2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl, (CH₃)₂CH═CHCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)—, φC(O)CH₂—, thien-2-yl-methyl, 2-(thien-2-yl)ethyl, 3-(thien-2-yl)-n-propyl, 2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, norboran-2-yl, (4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (2-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (3-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (3-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl, (4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, (4-methylphenyl)methyl, (4-fluorophenyl)methyl, (4-fluorophenoxy)methyl, (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl, (4-chlorophenyl)methyl, (2-chlorophenyl)methyl, (1-phenyl)ethyl, (1-(p-chlorophenyl)ethyl, (1-trifluoromethyl)ethyl, (4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, CH₃OC(O)CH₂—, benzylthiomethyl, 5-(methoxycarbonyl)-n-pentyl, 3-(methoxycarbonyl)-n-propyl, indan-2-yl, (2-methylbenzofuran-3-yl), methoxymethyl, CH₃CH═CH—, CH₃CH₂CH═CH—, (4-chlorophenyl)C(O)CH₂—, (4-fluorophenyl)C(O)CH₂—, (4-methoxyphenyl)C(O)CH₂—, 4-(fluorophenyl)-NHC(O)CH₂—, 1-phenyl-n-butyl, (φ)₂CHNHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, (CH₃)₂NC(O)CH₂—, (φ)₂CHNHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, methylcarbonylmethyl, (2,4-dimethylphenyl)C(O)CH₂—, 4-methoxyphenyl-C(O)CH₂—, phenyl-C(O)CH₂—, CH₃C(O)N(φ)—, ethenyl, methylthiomethyl, (CH₃)₃CNHC(O)CH₂—, 4-fluorophenyl-C(O)CH₂—, diphenylmethyl, phenoxymethyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-CH₂—, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, (CH₃)₃COC(O)NHCH₂—, trans-styryl, H₂NC(O)CH₂CH₂—, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl-C(O)CH₂, φC(O)NHCH(φ)CH₂—, mesityl, CH₃CH(═NHOH)CH₂—, 4-CH₃-φ-NHC(O)CH₂CH₂—, φC(O)CH(φ)CH₂—, (CH₃)₂CHC(O)NHCH(φ)—, CH₃CH₂OCH₂—, CH₃OC(O)CH(CH₃)(CH₂)₃—, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl, 2-CH₃-benzofuran-3-yl, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl, φSO₂CH₂—, 3-cyclohexyl-n-propyl, CF₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— and N-pyrrolidinyl.
 75. The compound according to claim 74 wherein each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 76. The compound according to claim 75 wherein R² is selected from he group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methyl-n-butyl, 6-fluoro-n-hexyl, phenyl, benzyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, allyl, iso-but-2-enyl, 3-methylpentyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-indol-3-yl, p-(phenyl)phenyl, o-fluorophenyl, m-fluorophenyl, p-fluorophenyl, m-methoxyphenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, phenethyl, benzyl, m-hydroxybenzyl, p-hydroxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, m-trifluoromethylphenyl, p-(CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂O-benzyl, p-(CH₃)₃COC(O)CH₂O-benzyl, p-(HOOCCH₂O)-benzyl, 2-aminopyrid-6-yl, p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, —CH₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CH₂-imidazol-4-yl, —CH₂-(3-tetrahydrofuranyl), —CH₂-thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂(1-methyl)cyclopropyl, —CH₂-thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂—C(O)O-t-butyl, —CH₂—C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methylcyclopentyl, cyclohex-2-enyl, —CH[CH(CH₃)₂]COOCH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂, —CH₂CH═CHCH₃ (cis and trans), —CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₃, —CH(O-t-butyl)CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —(CH₂)₄NH-Boc, —(CH₂)₄NH₂, —CH₂-pyridyl, pyridyl, —CH₂-naphthyl, —CH₂-(N-morpholino), p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl, 6-methoxynaphth-2-yl, —CH₂CH₂SCH₃, thien-2-yl and thien-3-yl.
 77. The compound according to claim 73 wherein R^(2′) is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methyl-n-butyl, 6-fluoro-n-hexyl, phenyl, benzyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, allyl, iso-but-2-enyl, 3-methylpentyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclopropyl, —CH₂CH₂-cyclohexyl, —CH₂-indol-3-yl, p-(phenyl)phenyl, o-fluorophenyl, m-fluorophenyl, p-fluorophenyl, m-methoxyphenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, phenethyl, benzyl, m-hydroxybenzyl, p-hydroxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, m-trifluoromethylphenyl, p-(CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂O-benzyl, p-(CH₃)₃COC(O)CH₂O-benzyl, p-(HOOCCH₂O)-benzyl, 2-aminopyrid-6-yl, p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, —CH₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CH₂-imidazol-4-yl, —CH₂-(3-tetrahydrofuranyl), —CH₂-thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂(1-methyl)cyclopropyl, —CH₂-thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, —CH₂—C(O)O-t-butyl, —CH₂—C(CH₃)₃, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, 2-methylcyclopentyl, cyclohex-2-enyl, —CH[CH(CH₃)₂]COOCH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂, —CH₂CH═CHCH₃ (cis and trans), —CH₂OH, —CH(OH)CH₃, —CH(O-t-butyl)CH₃, —CH₂OCH₃, —(CH₂)₄NH-Boc, —(CH₂)₄NH₂, —CH₂-pyridyl, pyridyl, —CH₂-naphthyl, —CH₂-(N-morpholino), p-(N-morpholino-CH₂CH₂O)-benzyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, 5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl, benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl, 6-methoxynaphth-2-yl, —CH₂CH₂SCH₃, thien-2-yl and thien-3-yl.
 78. The compound according to claim 77 wherein R^(2′) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.
 79. The compound according to claim 75 wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl and aryl.
 80. The compound according to claim 77 wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl and aryl.
 81. The compound according to claim 78 wherein R^(2′) is methy.
 82. The compound according to claim 81 wherein R¹ is alkyl.
 83. The compound according to claim 82 wherein R³ is alkyl. 